Tips are needed after a cruel attack left a man beaten and his beloved Yorkshire terrier dead
Sacramento, CA (February 14, 2012) – RedRover, a nonprofit animal protection organization based in Sacramento, California, is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who attacked a man in San Jose, California who was walking his dog and stomped or kicked the dog to death.
On Saturday afternoon, the dog’s owner was walking his beloved miniature Yorkshire terrier, Shadow, near Colonial Way and South Winchester Boulevard near the Salvation Army. A group of three or four young men from a nearby car wash fundraiser approached the victim, who was wearing red-colored Red Sox clothing, and asked if he was a member of a gang. They then attacked the man and left Shadow bleeding profusely from his ears and mouth. Shadow died shortly after, in the arms of his distraught owner. The men were seen returning to the car wash, laughing and carrying the victim’s Red Sox hat.
“We hope this reward will encourage someone who knows more about this attack to come forward with information,” said Captain Jay Terrado of the San Jose Animal Care and Services. The San Jose Police Department is investigating the crime because of the potential gang connection, he added.
“These men showed a disturbing lack of empathy by attacking an innocent bystander and violently killing a small dog,” said RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “San Jose residents have a stake in seeing that whoever committed this violent act is punished to the full extent of the law.”
Anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact Capt. Jay Terrado of San Jose Animal Care and Services at 408.794.7270. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408.947.STOP (7867) or visit http://www.svcrimestoppers.org
A study conducted by the Massachusetts SPCA and Northeastern University showed that people who abuse animals are five times more likely commit violence against people, four times more likely to commit property crimes and three times more likely to be involved in drunken or disorderly offenses.
RedRover pledges rewards around the country to encourage witnesses to step forward with information about animal cruelty crimes and to highlight the need for harsher punishments in such cases. However, RedRover has only paid the reward twice in 18 years, highlighting the need for law enforcement, prosecutors and citizens to take animal cruelty crimes more seriously.
Download a flier that can be posted to spread the word about this reward.
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the bond between people and animals through a variety of programs, including emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and education. The RedRover Readers program aims to prevent animal cruelty before it happens through its unique community-based literacy approach, which helps children develop empathy and critical thinking skills through stories and discussion. Learn more at www.redrover.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Leili Khalessi 916.429.2457 ext. 314
OTHER COVERAGE
- CBS San Francisco: San Jose Police Seek Suspects After Dog Stomped To Death
- MercuryNews.com: San Jose: Investigation continues into fatal beating of dog
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