Iowa Man Arrested For Death Of Starved Dog Found In Crate

“WTF…I’m trying to write whilst tears run down my cheeks…I’m just so sickened by the fact this was done on purpose…the evil that resides in this pig needs destroying…take a good look at him…I pray to God he gets what he deserves!”

On Thursday night, the man believed to be responsible for the starvation and death of a young dog, who was locked in a crate and dumped in Waterloo, Iowa, was arrested.

Ty Alyn Hickman

According to the Quad-City Times, 23-year-old Ty Alyn Hickman was arrested by Jesup police, who received numerous tips on the abuse case from the public.

Maria Tiller, a Waterloo animal control and code enforcement officer, stated:

“Without the help of the public, we never would have got this far,”

A substantial reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the person behind the despicable crime.

Caleb, described as a Labrador retriever mix, was found back on Feb. 16, locked inside of a feces and urine filled crate. It was evident that the dog has suffered greatly before finally succumbing to starvation.

Hickman is facing up to two years behind bars for the misdemeanor charge of aggravated animal torture.

Read the prior story about this incident here.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/arrest-made-case-of-animal-cruelty-iowa#slide=59456261

Ty Hickman, 23 was arrested Thursday in Jesup, Iowa and charged with aggravated misdemeanor animal torture according toKwwl.com. The male dog named Caleb was found dead, locked in a kennel and likely starved to death amid his own feces and urine.

Hickman was booked into the Buchanan County Jail by the Jesup Police Department. If found guilty Hickman faces up to two years in prison.

The tragic story of Caleb, a Labrador retriever and Great Dane mixed breed was uncovered on Feb. 16 when his emaciated body was discovered in a pet carrier kennel on the 2700 block of Independence Ave in Waterloo. Authorities believe the dog had already died from dehydration and starvation and then was dumped on the side of the road.

When the story of Caleb hit social media, animal lovers and compassionate friends were so disgusted by such an egregious act of apparent animal cruelty, they joined Agape Fosters and helped to raise $7500 for a reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this reprehensible deed.

Never underestimate what a community can do when motivated. Local police received many leads which helped lead to the arrest of Hickman and the alleged charges against him.

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/arrest-made-waterloo-animal-cruelty-case-of-dog-left-to-die-locked-kennel

Reward offered in bludgeoning deaths of two dogs in Eagle Creek

EAGLE CREEK– A $3,000 reward has been posted for information in the case of two dogs found bludgeoned to death last week in the Eagle Creek area south east of Damascus.

The Oregon Humane Society and Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies are looking for clues in the killings, which remain puzzling to investigators.

“Somebody has to be not quite right to kill an animal like that,” said Sgt. Adam Phillips, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman. “Of course, when animals are old or sick, we have to put them down. But these were young, healthy dogs.”

Phillips said the killer — or killers — could potentially face charges of aggravated first-degree animal abuse, a Class C felony punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a $125,000 fine.

The Oregon Humane Society initially offered a $500 reward.  In Defense of Animals added another $2,500.

For Ref. Only. Black Labrador

Early last Thursday, JP Stalcup reported that he had found his dogs dead in a wooded area behind his house in the 24000 block of Southeast Sweetwater Lane. He told 9-1-1 dispatchers that it looked as if his dogs had been killed with an axe.

Stalcup told an investigating deputy his dogs — Duke, a black Labrador retriever, and Buddy, a Labrador and blue heeler mix — had been missing since Monday. He said he found them down a steep embankment about 100 yards from his house.

Phillips said the deputy was unable to find any other injuries on the dogs’ bodies, ruling out the likelihood that they were killed by a predator.

Necropsies were performed by veterinarians at the Oregon Humane Society. The examinations of the dogs’ bodies confirmed that both Duke and Buddy were killed by blows from some sort of sharp implement.

Ref. Only. Labrador Blue Heeler Mix, Any combination of Black & White

Oregon Humane Society officials are urging anyone with information in the case to contact them at 503-285-7722.

Meanwhile, Phillips said information will be taken on the sheriff’s confidential tip line, 503-723-4949.

Confidential text messages can be sent to CRIMES (274637 on a cell phone keypad), with the keyword “CCSO” as the first word in the message.

News Link:-http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2012/11/reward_offered_in_bludgeoning.html

 

Rye Man Pleads Guilty In Bestiality Case

“See, had this not been caught on camera, how far would this sick bastard have gone…on a puppy…filthy pig!!”

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Kujtim Nicaj, a former Rye building superintendent who was accused of breaking into an apartment and engaging in sexual acts with a dog, pleaded guilty to the charges against him Monday afternoon in White Plains.

Nicaj pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, a class C violent felony, and one count of sexual misconduct, a class A misdemeanor.

On Feb. 8, Nicaj, who was the superintendent of the Rye Colony Cooperative Apartments, entered the victim’s apartment without authorization and engaged in multiple sex acts with the owner’s 15-month-old Labrador Retriever.

The acts were recorded on “nanny-cam type devices” that previously had been set up in the residence. 

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore expressed her distaste for the event in a statement.

“This defendant engaged in behavior that is not only reprehensible, but was abusive to someone’s pet,” she said. “Taking advantage of a helpless animal is an act of depravity which has often been a predictor of violence against humans.”

Nicaj is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13.

News Link:–http://rivertowns.dailyvoice.com/news/rye-man-pleads-guilty-bestiality-case

Florida woman attacks dog with knife ‘to see what it felt like’

“This is one Sick Bxxxh…’She did it because she wanted to see how it felt’?How revolting her mind is, the poor dog would have been terrified , in shock & pain. This woman is a proper psycho & needs immediate evaluation. She shouldn’t be allowed to own or be around animals ever again! What if she gets another desire & wants to stick a dog on a BBQ to see how it feels?  I would like to know how I would feel, punching her in the bloody face?…shame I live the other side of the world!!

On Sunday night, a Jacksonville, Fla. woman allegedly launched a brutal knife attack on her family‘s dog, offering little explanation for the heinous act, aside from a twisted desire to “know what it felt like.”

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office booking photo of Mariessa Caggiano

According to Monday’s publication of New 4 Jax, 22-year-old Mariessa Caggiano was arrested after allegedly stabbing the family’s 10-year-old Labrador retriever more than six times with a large butcher knife.

The victimized dog was initially stabbed in the family’s driveway on Cove Landing Drive.

After the initial stab wound, with the knife still embedded in her body, the dog was able to run from her attacker.

Caggiano gave chase and proceeded to use the same knife to stab the already injured, senior dog at least six more times.

The dog finally collapsed in a neighbor’s yard.

The authorities arrived to the scene after the woman’s own father dialed 911 to report the attack.

Though the critically wounded dog was still alive when authorities rushed her to an emergency veterinarian, she was not expected to survive due to the severity of her multiple injuries.

Caggiano was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals; she remains behind bars, held without bail.

According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the woman freely admitted to the attack. “She wanted to do it to see how it felt”…

News Link:-http://www.examiner.com/article/florida-woman-attacks-dog-with-knife-to-see-what-it-felt-like

Police Officer Suspended Over Police Dog’s Death

“This was a police officer, so he had some brains, if the car had an alarm to alert officers with dogs of high internal temperatures; chances are all the officers knew of it, what it was for & that it ONLY worked when engine running. What part of the above didn’t he understand?? Some may think I’m being a tad harsh on the guy, but it was his job to care for that life, in his car! What was more important to make him turn the engine off & leave it off, which killed the dog! Perhaps it was his lunch break. Unpaid suspension & no other dog, excuse me if I don’t jump for joy!”

A Des Moines police officer has been given a three-day unpaid suspension for the death of his police dog.

The Des Moines Register says an internal investigation laid out discipline recommendations for Officer Brian Mathis. Harley, a 7 year-old yellow lab died August 29 after Mathis left him in an unmarked car at the police station for over an hour.

In addition to the suspension, Mathis won’t be eligible for another dog.

“He’s taken full responsibility,” said Des Moines Police Chief Judy Bradsaw. Mathis “recognizes the consequences, he’s living with them everyday. It was not his intent to ever leave the dog in the car.”

Mathis’ car had an alarm system to protect police dogs from the heat, but the system only works if the car is running.

The Des Moines Register reports that the department will buy a new system that can pop the doors or start the engine and alert officers if temperatures reach a dangerous level, even if the car isn’t running.

“These are dog people, they love animals,” Bradshaw said. “Anything I do to (Mathis), it won’t be as severe as what he’s doing to himself.”

News Link:-http://wqad.com/2012/10/09/police-officer-suspended-over-police-dogs-death/

Loving Homes Needed For 50 Puppies Rescued From Possible Dog Smuggling Ring

 

Fifty puppies were found in two vehicles in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday, October 9 after a routine patrol by police (garda) lead to the discovery of a possible dog-smuggling operation.

The Dublin SPCA were called to take in the puppies who had been packed into boxes in the back of the vehicles.

The puppies included Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Jack Russell Terriers. A number of the puppies were suffering treatable conditions like mange, ermites, fleas and eye infections. Many of the pups had had their tails docked and dew claws removed resulting in minor infections. A few of the puppies are receiving special care as they were too young to have been removed from their mother’s care.

The men involved were believed to have been trafficking the puppies from Ireland to the UK as part of a puppy smuggling scheme, where the dogs would be sold on the black market for several thousand euros.

Since July 1, dog breeders in Ireland with more than six breeding females are legally obligated to register with their local councils. This is to help facilitate stricter regulations now in place concerning animal welfare. However, none of the puppies rescued were micro-chipped and as a result, tracing the breeders involved is impossible.

The DSPCA is cautioning the public to take extra care when buying a puppy online or from roadsides. CEO Brian Gillen said, “Do not buy from the boot of a car or a van and always arrange to meet the puppy with its parents at the breeders home – the conditions the mother is living in is a good indication of the health and welfare of the animals.”

 

The DSPCA is also pleading with the public to report any concerns they have for animals they have visited with a view to buying. Head of Media and PR, Gillian Bird, said, “Many people ring us up to report cruelty to a puppy they have recently bought which may have died or be seriously ill. The usual comment is that they felt sorry for the animal and bought it to rescue it. For the welfare of the other animals it would be better to report the seller, their location or car registration number so a full investigation can be carried out.”

All of the puppies will eventually be found new homes. The dogs, which range in age from three to eight weeks, are now in secure accommodation at the DSPCA centre in Rathfarnham, Dublin.

 

The DSPCA has confirmed that none of the puppies are available for new homes until DSPCA inspectors have concluded their investigations.

“When the dogs are ready to go to new homes, we will put it up on our website and our Facebook page” said Ms Bird. The DSCPA’s website is at www.dspca.ie.

News Link:-http://www.dogheirs.com/larne/posts/2054-loving-homes-needed-for-50-puppies-rescued-from-possible-dog-smuggling-ringsmuggling

Judge Upholds Verdict Awarding Over $60,000 To Family Whose Dog Was Shot By Police Officer

The verdict has been upheld in the case of the shooting of Brandi, a chocolate lab, by police officers.

Back in April the jury had awarded $620,000 to the Jenkins family, $20,000 for

Brandi

veterinary bills and $600,000 for mental anguish, pain and suffering. The judge did reduce the veterinary bills award to $7,500 due to the fact Maryland law caps damages at that amount. The upholding of the $600,000 for emotional damages is huge not only for the Jenkins family but for the law starting to view pets not just as property.

The shooting incident occurred back on January 9, 2010 when police officers came to the Jenkins’ home with a civil warrant for their son, who no longer lived at the resident.

Brandi bound out of the house to meet the officers when Deputy Timothy Brooks shot her. Brandi didn’t even get within three feet of the officer and had stopped barking when she was shot.

Brandi did survive the shooting but will need extensive ongoing medical care. Brooks was found to have unconstitutionally shot and grievously wounded the dog by the jury. In addition Brooks along with Deputy Nathan Rector were found to have unconstitutionally and illegally entered the Jenkins’ home. The two officers entered the home without permission after the Jenkins had left to rush Brandi to the veterinarian.

Cary Hansel, attorney for the Jenkins was very happy with the result not only for what was awarded to the Jenkins but because of what the case means for the legal community. “It’s one of the first cases in Maryland to recognize that pets are family members and not property.” Normally, cases involving property would not be permitted to award emotional damages.

News Link:-http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2012/09/judge-upholds-verdict-awarding-over-600000-to-family-whose-dog-was-shot-by-a-police-officer/

 

Lakeview teacher charged with punching his dog to death

A Lakeview man who teaches grade school punched his dog to death because it refused to get into a bathtub after it “ate every piece of paper” in the house and soiled itself, police said.

Derek Fierro holds “Doc” at Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation in October 2011 when he adopted the dog. Fierro is charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, police said, for allegedly punching the dog to death.

Derek Fierro, 25, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, a felony, police said. He is a teacher at Eugene Field Elementary School in the 7000 block of North Ashland Avenue, according to police and Chicago Public Schools records.

Fierro, who lives in the 500 block of West Roscoe Street, called 911 about 3 a.m. and asked police to meet him at Roscoe and North Broadway, Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Laura Kubiak said.

When officers arrived, he told them the dog was in trunk of his car and gave police the keys, Kubiak said. Officers checked it and found the male yellow dog. Fierro was crying when police arrived and said he was sorry about killing his dog, Kubiak said.

Fierro adopted the dog from the Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation last October, according to Lisa Klotnia, the foundation’s founder. The dog — a yellow lab chow mix — was several months old when adopted and had been named Doc because he was part of a litter of seven puppies. The dog was renamed “Queso” according to the foundation’s records.

“We reviewed his application, he came to meet Doc and we even did a home visit with him,” Klotnia said.  “He seemed like a nice and normal guy.

“We try to be part of the dog’s life,” she said through tears. “If we’re ever needed, we let people know were here. That’s why it’s so devastating. We would have gladly taken this dog back if he was having any problems.”

She described Doc as a “real mutt,” part Labrador retriever, chow and maybe Alaskan huskie, Klotnia said. “Our hope is to give them a new home and we failed. He was a wonderful little pup.”

She said the foundation is reaching out to police to retrieve the dog’s remains and have them cremated.

CPS Inspector General James Sullivan said his office will investigate the incident, which could lead to disciplinary action against the teacher. Sullivan said his office always investigates cases where a district employee is arrested and charged with a “serious crime.”

News Link:–http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-police-man-beat-dog-to-death-for-refusing-bath-20120810,0,6287266.story

Petition:- Chicago Public School System: Permanently terminate the employment of Derek Fierro:-http://www.change.org/petitions/chicago-public-school-system-permanently-terminate-the-employment-of-derek-fierro-2

 

(WHAS11) – A local animal rescue group is calling for tougher abuse laws after another case of animal cruelty.

A yellow Labrador Retriever was found battered and abused. Named Miss Ellie, she was brought to Shamrock Arrow Fund in Louisville from Bell County, Ky.

Her entire tail was cut off and a back leg was mauled and will need to be amputated.

The dog will undergo surgery Tuesday.

If you witness animal abuse, you are urged to call police.

News Link:–http://www.whas11.com/home/Abused-dog-found-with-tail-cut-off-leg-mauled–161196755.html

 

Brent Parker gets 45 days in jail for killing dog, discharging firearm (with video)

When Kirtland resident Brent Parker shot and killed his neighbor’s dog in November, it was not out of fear for his life, a jury determined on Monday.

Brent Parker with his model of what the dog looked like when he shot it!

Following the second day of the trial in Willoughby Municipal Court, the jury deliberated for about an hour before convicting Parker of killing/injuring an animal and pointing and discharging a firearm. Parker will spend 45 days in jail as a result.

Parker, 26, took the witness stand Monday morning to testify.

While Parker admitted to shooting the dog, he said he did so in self-defense. Parker said he had never been approached by a dog in an aggressive way like that before. “I was terrified,” he said.

When Parker described loading his rifle and shooting the black Labrador, who was named Thai, the dog’s owner Dave Davison quickly and loudly left the courtroom.

Parker also created a model of the dog, which he said represented what the dog looked like when he shot it, complete with a raccoon skin in its mouth that Parker had recently skinned.

In addition to Parker, three other witnesses took the stand on Monday, including Patrolman Michael Valenti with the Kirtland police.

Valenti was the officer interviewing Parker when he first admitted to shooting and killing Thai.

The video was shown in court on Friday. (Video at link below)

During closing arguments Monday, defense attorney David Lynch focused on medication Thai had been taking as well as the nearby animal skin — both of which, experts testified, could have theoretically made Thai, normally a gentle dog, aggressive at that particular time.

City Prosecutor Michael Germano, meanwhile, said Parker’s actions following the shooting, including failing to tell anyone — including his own wife — about the incident, were indicative of a guilty man.

Thai, the dog’s owner Dave Davison

“If you were claiming self-defense, wouldn’t you tell somebody what had happened?” Germano said.

Prior to sentencing, Judge Harry Field allowed Parker to address the court as well as the dog’s owner. Parker was apologetic and said he would have told the man about the shooting eventually.

Davison also was allowed to speak, but did so with much more emotion than Parker, who he addressed directly.

“You have no idea how this has impacted anyone but yourself,” Davison said. “You need to grow up, be a man, own what you do, think before you do.”

“My 2-year-old daughter, when she sees pictures of Thai, she still asks ‘Where’s Thai?’”

 Germano asked for a 180-day sentence, though the judge opted instead for the 45-day sentence for Parker, who had no prior convictions.

Video & News Link:-http://news-herald.com/articles/2012/06/19/news/doc4fdf6a541564e897909274.txt?viewmode=fullstory