Send an Animal Abuser to Jail and Get a Best Friend

January 23rd, 2008 categories: Pets & People

There aren’t too many types of people lower than animal abusers.

Here’s the story- in short, he took a power drill and drilled several holes in a dogs head. It all started when the dog escaped from a cage in the basement and bit an 8 year-old boy. Although not in the link I attached, I found further details surrounding the dog bite - the boy was playing with the two dogs that resided in the home and the play got out of control.

In a fit of rage, the father, rather then drive to the hospital to see his son, drove to where the dog was, pulled out a drill and attacked the dog while it was trapped in its cage. The dog was euthanized due to its severe injuries.

Note: the boy had been bitten in the arm and was only in the hospital for a short period of time. He was fortunate - most dog bites occur to the face. Young boys are most at risk for dog bites.

Furthermore, police commented that the dog was living in deplorable conditions in the basement of the home prior to the abuse. Another dog was found in the home and neither was vaccinated; both were also malnourished.

I don’t think animal cruelty cases are prosecuted enough - animal cruelty is one of the known precursors to other types of crime including child and spousal abuse.

Here’s what you can do:

1) Attend the Hearing that is scheduled for Thursday, February 14th at 9AM at Bristol Superior Court. (131 North Main Street, Bristol, CT 06010 ). A large show of public support to prosecute Mr. Cruz to the fullest extent of the law would help make an important statement about the serious nature of this crime.

2) Write to the Prosecutor Steven Preleski (same address as the Superior Court) and encourage him to seek the maximum punishment for this crime.

3) Consider adopting a pitbull. The Plainville Shelter has several loving pitbulls that are in desperate need of a home. You can help this very misunderstood and needy breed by opening your heart and home to a homeless dog. Check out Lucky, just one of the many sweet and loving, pitbulls that desperately needs a good home. Pitbulls can make wonderful pets - but they are not for everyone. The other dog found in the home has already been adopted.

Lucky, whose handsome face is below, can be found by visiting www.petfinder.com. Go to shelters, search by state and town and look for Plainville Shelter.