"What is Animal Cruelty?": A Crime Stoppers Safe Community Seminar

Barrio Dogs was honored to participate in an excellent Crime Stoppers Safe Community Seminar "What is Animal Cruelty" on September 16, 2014. Representatives from the Harris Country District Attorney's Office as well as the Houston Humane Society were there along with Barrio Dogs.

Saw some good friends and learned more about the issue. Thank you Sonia Soto and Crime Stoppers for inviting Barrio Dogs to participate! To learn more about the Safe Community program, go to http://www.crime-stoppers.org/programming/safe-community-programs/.

Don't do this to your dog!

We'll occasionally see dogs in the community with heavy chains around their necks. We don't understand the purpose of this other than to make the animal suffer. In response, we created this poster.

If it's hot outside, it's very hot inside your car! Don't leave your pets in your car!

Interesting Look at Animal Cruelty and Overpopulation in Mexico from Outside Magazine Online

Outside Magazine Online recently published an article painting an in-depth picture of the treatment of stray dogs in Mexico and the work that a few people with big hearts are doing to try to make a difference.  Even in Mexico, there is a big push for the sterilization of animals in order to get to the root cause of their animal overpopulation.  The same groups are also calling for increased animal cruelty legislation and enforcement.

Read the full article here:  Outside Magazine, "Mom, There's a Dog Stapled to That Tree"

Sick, Abused Dogs Left For Dead at Melrose Park

Although Barrio Dogs’ primary focus is in the East End, this story from Melrose Park (off of Hardy Toll Rd & Little York) shows that the problem is city wide. 

 8 rescued dogs need foster families

 

Author: Nefertiti Jaquez, Reporter, njaquez@kprc.com
Link to this article
Published On: Sep 03 2012 10:03:51 PM CDT  Updated On: Sep 03 2012 11:40:21 PM CDT 

HOUSTON -  While many were celebrating this holiday weekend with their families, Melissa McMillan spent the weekend picking up dead and sick dogs from a public park.

"The German shepherd was eating the remains of a dead dog that was dumped in a bag along the fence," said McMillan, founder of Peaceful Pit Bull Humane Society.

 McMillan said she was called to Melrose Park by a concerned resident after the woman spotted a dead dog in a trash bag.

 "I didn't expect it to be this bad, especially in front of a Harris County shelter," said McMillan.

 McMillan said the part that upsets her the most is that the abused dogs are being dumped right across the street from a county animal shelter.

 She told Local 2 that the county told her they can't do anything about it, because the park falls under the city of Houston.

 So, it'll be up to the city shelter, BARC, to rescue these animals.

 Our cameras where there when the volunteer found another dumped dog. This one was shaking, severely dehydrated, and could barely breath.

 The worst part, the roughly five-pound dog had a harness, which means at one point it had an owner.

 That owner ditched it with a ten-foot metal chain attached to its collar, making it hard for the dog to even move.

 "I think it's pretty inhumane. How could they go in and out of work everyday looking at this? How could you do that? Have a heart!"

 Local 2 tried contacting both the city and county shelters, but never heard back.

 Meantime, McMillan is looking for donations for foster families for the eight dogs she has rescued so far.

 Donations can be made directly to Peaceful Pit Bull HS Texas via PayPal to Peacefulpitbulltx@gmail.com.

Addressing Mistreatment and Abuse

Barrio Dogs gets many questions about what to do about dogs that are being abused, starved or chained around the clock. We have prepared a list of resources people can use to report the abuse or neglect to the Houston Police Department, Humane Society or SPCA. That works some of the time. However, there are other times when we need a different approach; for those occasions, we have created some posters that we mail to the dog owners or post on their street. We're not sure how much this helps the dog but at least the owners know that somebody is aware of how they treat their dog and is watching them.

The posters are formatted for legal-sized (8 1/2" x 14") paper; feel free to print out and distribute as needed.

When It Comes to Stopping Animal Cruelty, It’s Good to Be Nosy

This great article is from the April 2012 issue of "Pets Matter" magazine. For information about reporting cruelty and abuse in the Houston area, check the link on this blog.

 By Neil Ryan

Signs of Animal Cruelty Animals that shrink or cower from contact Animals left exposed in severe weather Emaciation Limping Untreated wounds Missing hair or fur Dirty or confined quarters Strong odors and lack of sanitation Chained and infrequently exercised animals

Last summer, Lynn Varin noticed a skinny horse confined to a small paddock in her rural Vermont community.

"He was in a stall for 4 days with nothing to eat, only water. I know because I checked every day."

Lynn reported the neglected horse to local authorities. When Vermont State Police officers acted on her report, they found four severely malnourished horses. They eventually cited the owner for animal cruelty and instituted a program of supervision to ensure the healthy recovery of the horses.

Lynn chose to act on behalf of the helpless. At-risk cats, dogs, other companion animals and livestock depend on people doing exactly what Lynn did. If you suspect animal cruelty, it may feel uncomfortable or even nosy to do something about it, but it may be the only shot an innocent animal has. Reporting cruelty can be done easily and anonymously once you have the resources handy.

Recognizing Cruelty and Taking Action
Hitting defenseless animals, keeping them chained without exercise or leaving them exposed in severe weather all count as abuse. Mistreating animals can (and often does) escalate into domestic assault. Studies have shown a link between violence toward animals and violence toward spouses, children and elders. If you witness an animal in imminent danger, dial 911. Police will respond. You can choose to remain anonymous, or by identifying yourself, you can help in future prosecution.

Hoarding occurs when someone possesses multiple animals without providing adequate food, care and sanitation. Hoarders often fail to understand the consequences of their actions and may exhibit signs of mental illness. Reporting hoarding can be a first step toward getting that individual into new or additional treatment. Call your local animal control officer or police department. Those agencies have the power to remove the animals or take corrective action, and they’ll involve social services if necessary.

Neglect is the most common form of cruelty, and it’s on the rise. As more Americans struggle with financial difficulty, many pets are put at risk of starvation, abandonment and death. The horses that Lynn observed in Vermont were victimized, in part, because of their owner’s financial situation.

Neglected animals may belong to neighbors you’ve known for years. They may try to hide the neglect due to embarrassment. You can try intervening yourself, or if you’re concerned about your neighbor’s reaction, many states and locations have set up tip lines and email addresses allowing you to call, text or email an anonymous report.

What Happens After You Report?
Most animal control officers view seizure and criminal charges as a last resort. Generally, officials or volunteers will attempt to educate the owner and provide that person with alternatives. If charges are brought, animal cruelty can range from a misdemeanor to a felony in certain cases.
Unfortunately, most states don’t have the resources to investigate and prosecute all incidents fully. You may have to follow up on your original complaint to make sure action was taken. Email your state legislators, and let them know that animal cruelty is a serious issue. It’s going to take persistent action to strengthen ordinances, laws and enforcement.

Nonprofit and volunteer organizations are on the front lines and under financial pressure as more and more animals arrive in their care. Look for rescue societies, shelters and community resources in your area, and volunteer or donate. Many nonprofit groups coordinate with authorities on cruelty issues. You may be able to report incidents through them.

Lynn is still keeping an eye on those horses. When people like you and Lynn stay observant and have the courage to act, it can make a huge difference (and nobody is going to call you nosy).
For more reading and local resources, visit the following URLs: www.aspca.org/ and www.humanesociety.org/.

Be Prepared to Act Call 911 if you’re an eyewitness to abusive behavior. Familiarize yourself with animal cruelty statutes in your state. An associated URL is www.aspca.org/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/Advocacy-Center/state-animal-cruelty-laws.aspx. Contact your town administrative offices or local law enforcement to determine your appropriate point of contact for animal cruelty complaints. Decide if you feel comfortable talking to an owner if you suspect neglect. Contact your animal control officer to report suspected abuse, neglect or hoarding. Search for local tip lines to call, text or email incidents anonymously. Report online videos or images of animal abuse to your FBI branch office. An associated URL is www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field/field-offices. Support local shelters, rescue and rehabilitation groups, and community organizations. Contact your legislators, and tell them to support strong animal welfare laws and enforcement.

Neil Ryan is a farmer and writer living in central Vermont.

Abuse Is Not Discipline - new poster

We have had disappointing results working with the authorities on recent abuse cases. While we will continue to develop our relationship and work with local authorities, we will also try to find other ways to respond to abuse cases. One idea is this poster that we have prepared and plan to mail to people who abuse or neglect their dogs.

Pit Bull Serial Killer at Large in Houston

By Cindy Marabito, American Pit Bull Examiner

Seven dead dogs were found in Houston’s Mykawa district yesterday. Six of the dogs were pit bulls. One dog, Ginger, had recently had puppies, returned from being spayed by the rescue group Backstreet Brutality Relief and Rescue (BBRR) reports Houston Indie Dog Rescue blog.

Ginger, a sweet mother who'd just given birth

Credits: BBR

Another dog, a once beautiful blue nose male was found Saturday inside a brand new dog crate. He had just been shot in the face. His body was still warm and “blood was still flowing from two gunshot wounds to his face. He was healthy and perfect except for being dead. Had a chain and masterlock collar on. Bullet holes in the crate showed the cowardice of the murderers, as he never even stood a chance to save himself by running away.”

Houston has a strong rescue effort which bands together to help dogs in distress, but today, this animal loving community has been staggered by the brazen cruelty inflicted on these animals.
Link to story.

Mistreated End End Dog is Missing

The poor dog was being starved and mistreated somewhere in the East End. We called the Houston Police Department to investigate. When the officer arrived, the people at the house said their son was taking care of the dog and asked the officer to return in two hours to talk to the son. When the officer returned, the dog was gone. We don't know if the dog was killed, dumped or moved. We pray for this poor dog and hope that wherever he is, he is not suffering.

Lombardy

With the help of Kelle Mann Davis this German Shepherd was rescued this morning. We took him to Abbott Animal Hospital, where the vet said he is probably only a year old and has scarcoptic mange, intestinal worms, fleas and is very underweight. He was given meds for the scarcoptic mange and worms and will receive a medicated bath tomorrow. He will have to be boarded at the vet's for a couple of weeks at least. This poor boy we are calling Lombardy was in the worse neglect we have seen in a while. Someone owned this dog and either dumped him here or a resident is denying ownership. Needless to say we will need help with this one.

Can you find it in your heart to donate towards Lombardy? You can either donate via PayPal or Google at: http://www.barriodogs.org/donations.html or call Abbott Animal Hospital @ (281) 893-5000 and sponsor Lombardy under Barrio Dogs account. Thank you!!

Damian is Getting Better

Look who is is making great progress! Damian continues to improve but still needs your support. He also needs a loving forever home. He is an awesome dog who has survived some difficult times; please help us network his story!

Damian - Update

Damian is making progress. He eats well and wags his tail and body when he sees people he recognizes, so he is definitely feeling better. He is gaining weight and his hair is slowly starting to come in; however, he still has a long way to go and is continuing on the medications to treat his various ailments.

Thank you so much for your support of Damian and our other rescues. If you would like to contribute to Damian's ongoing medical treatment or to Barrio Dogs, you can do so here.

Police Seek Houston Man Accused of Animal Cruelty

Credit: HPD, Daniel Caballero

From khou.com

HOUSTON – Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for the public’s help locating a man accused of animal cruelty. Daniel Caballero is suspected of either assaulting a dog or forcing it to participate in fights.

On April 23, 2011, HPD officers responded to a report of an injured dog at a home in the 200 block of Burress. The dog – a pit bull that belonged to Caballero – had a severe injury to one of its eyes. Police told Caballero to seek immediate medical attention for the dog. But two days later, when officers returned to check on the animal, they said it was tethered outside of the home, without food or water.

Police determined that Caballero hadn’t sought medical attention for the dog, so they seized it. A seizure hearing was held, but Caballero didn’t attend.A warrant for animal cruelty was issued for Caballero, but he remained at large Friday.

He is 20 years old, stands 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. His last known address was near the 200 block of Burress in Houston. Anyone with information about the location of the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted online at crime-stoppers.org or via text message – just text "TIP610" plus your info to 274637.

All tipsters will remain anonymous.

Meet Alfie

Rescue "Damian" Means Hope for Us

Yes, we cannot take in another, but we also cannot turn our back on this neglect. We are calling our new Barrio Dogs rescue “Damian”.  Ms. Damian was the finder and rescuer and Barrio Dogs is committed to his vet and boarding care. He was discovered with a family in Mason Park Terrace, Greater East End Houston. The resident was starving and doing nothing positive for Damian. He deserves and will receive only positive hope now. He was taken to Gulfgate Animal Hospital, where he started his treatment for scarcoptic mange, given a medicated bath,antibiotics for his skin plus medicated drops for his eyes. He is on his way to feeling better. Please help us with the long journey of care for Damian.

The resident has been reported to the authorities and our hopes is they will never do this again.

HOW TO GIVE: Donations can be made via our website at PayPal/Google, http://www.barriodogs.org/donations.html or mailed to:

Barrio Dogs of Houston
P.O. Box 230677
Houston, TX 77223-0677

Tough New Texas Cockfighting Law Now In Effect

Owning, possessing or training a cock with the intent for cockfighting now illegal

Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – In Texas, it is now illegal for individuals to attend cockfights, possess birds with the intent to fight, and sell and possess the razor sharp weapons that are designed to increase the bloodletting in cockfights. “Closing these loopholes is essential in cracking down on the entire cast of characters involved in cockfighting,” said Nicole Paquette, Texas senior state director for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The Humane Society of the United States, on behalf of its more than 500,000 supporters in Texas, celebrates this measure’s passage and thanks Rep. Wayne Christian, R-District 9, and Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-District 27, for championing HB 1043 through the process.

“The spectators fuel this illegal activity and implementation of this new law will send a strong message that cockfighting will not be tolerated in the Lone Star state,” Paquette said. Cockfighting is a cruel activity involving the deliberate pitting of animals against each other to fight to the death for the sole purpose of gambling and the entertainment of spectators. Roosters used for fighting are often drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep them fighting even after they’ve suffered severe injuries such as deep gashes, punctured lungs, and pierced eyes.Young children are often brought to these events and exposed to the gruesome spectacle as acceptable entertainment.

The HSUS conducted two investigations into cockfighting in Texas which showed that this crime is widespread throughout the state. In 2010, undercover investigators attended cockfights at nearly 20 pits throughout Texas and documented about 100 locations where cockfights are regularly held. Investigators used hidden cameras to document repeated acts of animal cruelty as well as the presence of young children, widespread illegal gambling, and prostitution. The HSUS investigative team also went undercover in April, 2011 with ESPN E: 60 into a cockfighting ring in Gunter, Texas which highlighted the need for stronger laws to ensure that all participants in the illegal activity are charged with a crime. Enactment of HB 1043 provides law enforcement with the tools to crackdown on this illegal activity and aligns Texas’s laws with neighboring states and most of the country. The HSUS stands ready to assist law enforcement in their efforts.

Facts:

• Cockfighting is outlawed in all 50 states and is punished as a felony in 39.
• With passage of House Bill 1043, 38 states and the District of Columbia prohibit the possession of birds for fighting; 43 states and the District of Columbia prohibit being a spectator at cockfights; and 15 states prohibit the possession of cockfighting implements.
• Spectators pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in admission fees and gambling bets, generating the bulk of the revenue for this illegal enterprise. The fights would not occur without the crowd betting on the outcome and enjoying the bloodletting. Spectators provide cover for animal fighters, who weave into crowds to evade prosecution at the first sign of a police raid.

House Bill 1043 makes the following activities a crime:

1. participating in the earnings of a cockfight (a state jail felony);
2. using or permitting another to use property for cockfighting (a class A misdemeanor);
3. manufacturing, buying, selling, possessing cockfighting equipment (a class A misdemeanor);
4. owning, possessing or training a cock with the intent that it be used for cockfighting (class A misdemeanor); or
5. attending as a spectator an exhibition of cockfighting (class C misdemeanor for first offense and class A misdemeanor for future offenses)

The United States Congress is considering H.R. 2492 which would amend the federal animal fighting law to include spectators. This would allow for cases prosecuted in federal court to include the entire cast of characters that participate in animal fighting ventures.
Link to this story.

Is This Who We Are?

Cat Mutilation Revives Neighborhood Concerns

Sandy Luna plays with her two new kittens, Paco and Lola. (Paco's the ginger boy.) Luna acquired the kittens after her cat Lucky was killed last month; she says they're indoor cats for their own safety. Photo by R. Clayton McKee Photo: Freelance / © R. Clayton McKee

ROBIN FOSTER, HOUSTON CHRONICLE/Published 07:30 a.m., Thursday, August 25, 2011

Jeanne Kazmierski could hardly believe it when her new acquaintance, Sandy Luna, mentioned getting two new kittens after finding her beloved cat Lucky dead and mutilated in a neighbor's yard a few weeks ago.
Both residents of Timbergrove, the women were introduced by a mutual friend on Aug. 10.
Similar mutilations
Kazmierski shared how her cat, Buddy, was found three years ago, mutilated and on display at Jaycee Park, an event that still horrifies her today.
"I can talk about it now, but then, it just about killed me," Kazmierski said.
At least five other cat mutilations were reported in the Heights and River Oaks within the following year, and Houston Press writer John Nova Lomax wrote in August 2010 that his Captain Kitty had a similar fate.
Hearing Kazmierski's tale lent new meaning to details about Lucky's demise, said Luna, a nurse with Texas Childrens Hospital.
"She was, like, put on display," Luna said.
"It was odd. There was no blood in the grass. It was strange. She was disemboweled. The way she was placed on the lawn, it was a definite message."
Extremely disturbing
Luna and Kazmierski dismiss the notion their cats were killed by dogs or a wild animal even though the alternative, that a person might have done such a thing, is extremely disturbing to both.
"The part that worries me is, this is how serial killers start," Luna said.
Luna did not file a police report when Lucky was found in the early morning of July 25.
But Kazmierski has since sent out a neighborhood alert and contacted Houston Police Department officers who live or work in the neighborhood as well as Sgt. Virginia Brasher, one of HPD's animal cruelty officers.
Brasher is aware of the previous cat mutilations but said police have no leads to link them together or even pursue an investigation.
"The best thing is to let people in the area know, and that way, if they see something suspicious, they'll let us know," Brasher said.
In Houston, cats are subject to the same leash law as dogs, she pointed out.
That means owners are supposed to have control over their pets at all times.
Keep cats inside
"I'm a firm believer that cats should probably be kept inside," Brasher said.
But state law makes torturing or killing an animal a crime punishable by jail time, Brasher said.
And like Luna and Kazmierski, Brasher expressed concern if an individual is responsible for killing the pets.
"It's very disturbing because we don't know if it's an adult or a juvenile," she said.
"If it's a juvenile, it's very disturbing because if they can do this to an animal, what are they capable of doing to a person?"
Brasher advises residents to be alert and aware and report any suspicious individuals or activities by calling HPD's non-emergency number, 713-884-3131.
Luna is still saddened by the loss of Lucky, a sweet black cat she found in a field eight years ago.
Many in the neighborhood knew her, Luna said.
Because of what happened, she's heeding Brasher's advice. Her new kittens are strictly indoor cats.
robin.foster@chron.com

Woman Charged with Leaving Dog in Hot Car

Copyright 2011 Houston Chronicle 

Aug. 11, 2011, 6:29AM

Fort Bend County prosecutors have charged a Beasley woman with animal cruelty, accusing her of leaving her dog inside a hot car.

Police responded to a call about 11:50 a.m. June 18 at the Whole Foods at 15900 Southwest Freeway, according to the report from the Sugar Land Police Department.

A caller had told police a small dog was left inside a car with the windows slightly cracked for more than an hour.

Reports say the temperature inside the car was 120 degrees and that no water had been left for the dog. Animal Services came and removed the dog.

Police said Roxanne Deanna Zamora, 26, later returned to her car and admitted to officers that she left the dog inside it.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7692827.html#ixzz1UioFWt2D