Laurels & lances: Awareness & animals

Laurel: To intervention. There is no tragedy greater than a loss of life — except a loss that could have been prevented. In Westmoreland County, an effort is being made to find ways to reduce the number of suicides.

The county’s Suicide Fatality Review Team convened for the first time in June. It includes public officials and members of nonprofit organizations. The goal is to look at causes and clues to self-harm that could help identify problems early and point the way to intervention and treatment.

“We will look at a person’s life, and what we’re looking for is missed opportunities where someone could have intervened at some time to save that person’s life,” team chairwoman Heather McLean said. “I know one case where there was someone who tried to get into treatment. He called, but couldn’t get there, so they gave away his spot. He told his sister they didn’t want him, and then he committed suicide.”

In 2024, Westmoreland County saw 57 deaths by suicide, a decrease from 60 in 2023 and a record 62 in 2022. However, 2025 is on pace to break that record with 32 suicides as of July 1.

Westmoreland County Human Services Director Rob Hamilton said the idea is not about blame but improvement and better coordination.

Even one suicide is one too many. If any review and cooperation can stop a preventable loss, that is worthwhile, and the county team should be commended for any effort in that direction.

Lance: To animal cruelty. This summer has been difficult for pet lovers as multiple ugly instances of animal abuse have shown up in court.

On Tuesday, James Brandon Lewis, 41, of Carnegie was arrested on three felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and six misdemeanor counts of neglect. Court records show this is the 10th time police have brought animal neglect charges against Lewis.

Police say the charges stem from leaving three dogs outside in high heat in June with no food or water. One of the animals died.

In Pittsburgh, Ryan Chavers, 34, and Garrett Harper, 47, both of Hazelwood, were arrested last week on dozens of counts of aggravated cruelty, cruelty and neglect of animals. Chavers faces eight felonies in his 42 charges; Harper has 59 charges, 15 of them felonies.

Police say they attempted to dock the tails — a process of cutting off part of the tail — of six Cane Corso puppies. Three adult dogs were also neglected and injured, including a pregnant female with “severe medical issues.” She had to be euthanized.

All three men are just at the start of their legal issues in the cases. They remain innocent until proven guilty.

The animals, however, are ill or hurt or dead, and they shouldn’t be. Animals deserve compassion and love. At the very least, they deserve water. If you have an animal that you cannot care for properly, please surrender it to an organization that can.