Reward Offered In Puppy Cruelty Case at Mexican Border

July 18, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for savagely beating a puppy at the Mexican border with California. This increases the total reward in the case to at least $6,500, including $1,000 from San Diego Animal Advocates. Private citizens have donated at least $2,000 toward the reward fund. 

The Case:

Investigators and media reports give the following account: On July 2, a man identified as wearing blue jeans, a blue T-shirt and a baseball cap threw a 3-month-old, terrier-mix puppy over the border fence into the U.S. from Mexico about a half mile east of the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The man punched the puppy several times, tried to choke or suffocate the animal, then beat the puppy against the metal border fence before jumping back into Mexico. The incident was captured by Border Control video cameras. The dog, named "Spirit" by rescuers, survived but sustained a severe rear leg fracture and several fractured ribs. The veterinary exam revealed a second leg fracture, but it is believed that that injury occurred about two weeks before the other injuries.

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. 

“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Eric Sakach, The HSUS’s West Coast regional office director. “I hope this reward leads to an arrest before this violent criminal strikes again.” 

The Investigators:

The San Diego Department of Animal Services is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 619-767-2624. 

Resources:

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit: humanesociety.org/cruelty. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.