"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/.

Texas' No Dumping Law

Too often, people who can't take care of their dog get rid of it by dumping it. Not only is this cruel but it's also illegal and constitutes animal cruelty. If you see someone dumping a dog, get their license plate number and a picture if possible and report the crime to the police. Also, let others know about this law and encourage them to report dumping if they see it.  By working together to enforce the laws, we can hopefully reduce and eventually eliminate this cruel practice!

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

Barrio Watchdog "Violation" Door Hanger

We use these English & Spanish door hangers in the community when we spot violations of certain laws involving animals. We leave the door hanger with the resident, sometimes on the door or fence. While we have no authority to enforce these laws, we hope that by informing the owners, they will do the right thing and correct their actions.

Barrio Dogs to Work with Crime Stoppers

We recently met Ryan Sullivan, Director of Communications for Crime Stoppers. They are interested in partnering with Barrio Watch Dog and want to help us with reporting animal abuse and especially any information leading to dog fighting.We welcome their help and are glad to work with them!

Ryan Sullivan and Gloria Medina Zenteno

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.

Law Extends Its Reach in Bid to Halt Cockfighting

Although we're primarily about dogs, we care about the welfare of all animals and are glad to see this good news.

 

December 15, 2011

By SUSANNAH JACOB

Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune

Lt. Joel Caldwell, commander of the Animal Services Unit in the Galveston Police Department, with a confiscated fighting cock.

Lt. Joel Caldwell’s animal protection career began 12 years ago, when, as a deputy sheriff in Harris County, he responded to a call about a cat with an arrow through its body in a Houston trailer park.

On Thursday, Lieutenant Caldwell — now the police commander of Galveston’s Animal Services Unit — oversaw something just as disturbing: the arrest of a man for allegedly raising more than 300 cockfighting roosters in his backyard.

In May, Texas legislators passed a bill designed to help police officers in pursuit of illegal cockfighting. Forcing the birds to fight in the ring was already illegal; now, it is also against the law to breed the fighting cocks or show up to watch a fight.

State Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., Democrat of Brownsville and one of the bill’s sponsors, said the new law “enforces punishment for everyone involved in illegal cockfighting: the people who profit, the people who watch and the people who host cockfighting on their properties.”

Now, at the beginning of the first cockfighting season since the law’s enactment, legislators and animal welfare activists are hoping for an unprecedented crackdown on the practice. But the law’s force will depend largely on the initiative of newly empowered police forces like Lieutenant Caldwell’s.

“Cockfighting has never received the attention it deserves from law enforcement,” the lieutenant said, “because, up until May, the cockfighting laws were very, very, very weak.”

Lieutenant Caldwell, who is running for sheriff in Galveston, spent months planning Thursday’s raid, which occurred in Santa Fe, Tex., a rural area on the mainland where cockfights and accompanying crowds are less likely to draw attention.

The breeder’s noisy backyard was lined with row after row of roosters tethered to shelters made of tin or chicken wire, said John Goodwin, director of animal cruelty policy for the Humane Society of the United States. Off to one side was a cockfighting pit, Mr. Goodwin said, and a workbench with a drawer full of long knives that had been fastened to the birds’ legs during fights.

On Wednesday, district attorneys working on the raid with the lieutenant discovered a discrepancy between the penal and civil codes, which prevented him from seizing the 300 birds on site.

Until the last legislative session, cockfighting laws — enacted as long ago as 1907 — barred only the fighting of the birds. This meant the authorities would have to catch the individuals responsible for sending the roosters into the ring,  a difficult task at crowded cockfights.

“You’d go out there, you’d have 30 or 40 people, 2 would go to jail, and you’d wind up with all the roosters,” Lieutenant Caldwell said. “Not a good use of law enforcement resources.”

Under the new law, people who breed fighting birds, profit from a fight or own cockfighting paraphernalia with the intent to use it can also be charged with crimes.

For many, the laws are complicated by tradition. Mr. Lucio said he remembered being taken to cockfights by his father, at the time a deputy sheriff in Cameron County. “Fifty-five years ago, as a kid of 8, 9, 10, it was gruesome to see all the blood flowing from these beautiful birds,” he said.

Mr. Lucio said efforts to curb cockfighting would hinge on rural police departments, which must change their behavior after a century of turning their heads. “No one enforced it because it was a big cultural thing,” Mr. Lucio said of the previous law.

 If recent raids are any indication, the new law’s impact is already being felt. During a raid on Sunday in Fort Worth, officers not only broke up a cockfight but also — possibly for the first time — issued citations to spectators.

“The law is sending a very loud message to cockfighters that Texas is taking a stand on the issue,” said Nicole Paquette, the senior Texas state director of the Humane Society of the United States.

Lieutenant Caldwell said public opinion had shifted, and, with it, the law.

“Humans,” he said, “have evolved to the point where it’s not entertainment to watch two animals kill each other in a pit.”

sjacob@texastribune.org.
Link to article

More Than 250 Dogs Seized from Floyd County Kennel

Reported by: Diana Holoman
Email: dholoman@fox34.com
Last Update: 12:44 pm

The Floyd County Sheriff's department served Alphatex Kennels, outside of Lockney, with a warrant, seizing approximately 250 dogs.

"The humane society came out here, and then they told me in their opinion Alphatex Kennels was in terrible condition and that something needed to be done," Paul Raissez, Floyd County Sheriff, said. "They asked me if I would help them get a warrant to get these dogs off of the property."

Sandra Smith, co-owner of Alphatex Kennels, was in disbelief and said her facility is run the right way. She said every dog and puppy is AKC registered and up to date on all shots.

"AKC comes out here every year and they give us a clean bill of health," Smith said. "In fact, they said we had pens much bigger than required by AKC regulations."

According to the warrant, german shepherds, golden retrievers and collies along with horses will all have to go.

"Can you say it is right to tear these dogs away from the only home they've ever known?"

She said some dogs will not thrive in life without the love of their specific family.

"We've got one german shepherd that only speaks German," Smith said. "She was imported from Germany and she only speaks German commands."

Debra Avery, with the Humane Society of West Texas, said the situation presents a mixed bag.

"There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here," Avery said. "but there are some dogs that aren't well."

Avery said each and every dog will be tested and treated for diseases such as Parvo and Distemper.

"They have told me that some of the dogs have been sold and are waiting for shipment," Avery said. "So we will investigate and check the health of those animals to find out whether those sales can be delivered or not."

Smith plead with the sheriff to allow her to keep her house pets, and one in particular who has formed a special bond with the family.

"If he leaves him, he will die," Smith said. "German shepherds die if they are taken away from whom they belong to. They bond with you and they bond for life."

Smith said bottomline this is not as bad as it looks.

"What I'm trying to say is, this is not a puppy mill situation," Smith said. "Yes, it outgrew us and it outgrew us in a big way."

In addition to the dogs, one horse in particular is catching the eye of the humane society.

"The horse is malnourished, and the horse is sick," Smith said. "It can barely walk, and it cannot put any weight on its back leg."

A court hearing is scheduled for October 3rd, and Smith said they will fight to save their kennel.

"We will be fighting this to the fullest extent of the law," Smith said.

Until then, the Humane Society of West Texas asks citizens to step up in helping to give these animals a temporary home.

Crime Stoppers Gets Involved In Anti-Dogfighting

September 2, 2011
by: Bill Stamps

When you think of Crime Stoppers, you probably think of crimes like murders and sex offenses. Add animal cruelty to that list. Several animal advocacy groups held a news conference today to announce their new partnership with Crime Stoppers. 

Dogfighting and animal cruelty is something Harris County has been dealing with for some time now. Authorities busted a big ring more than a year ago that led to numerous arrests. But they continue to find the corpses of dogs believed to be used in fights. Now, Crime Stoppers is stepping in as another tool in this battle. 

This is Crime Stoppers Executive Director Katherine Cabiniss: "If you see signs of abuse, an animal with injuries that are going unreported or untreated, call Crime Stoppers, or call the police. If you know of a dogfight that is going to take place in your community, or if you know someone who is planning a dogfight, or is attending a dogfight, call Crime Stoppers, or call the police."

Tina Lundquist Faust is with nonprofit group PetSet. Even though dogfighting continues to plague the Houston area, she believes the situation is improving.  "I think that there is progress being made. I think because so many people are aware and because of events like this it creates awareness and people recognize that it is a crime and that something can be done."

With Crime Stoppers now getting involved, people will also have access to rewards.  "It’s people that are in the rescue groups, that are in the adoption centers that see the abuse that may have a link to abusers and they’re maybe not sure where to go, but through Crime Stoppers, they have a way to turn these people in and get them off the streets."

The state is also trying to do its part. State Senator John Whitmire says the legislature passed several laws related to animal cruelty, including one that allow them to keep track of people who may be breeding for criminal purposes.

"We passed an anti-puppy mill legislation. If you have eleven or more breeding females, you will be regulated by the state of Texas and have standards. That was a huge step forward. We passed in the Senate an animal registration list. It was modeled after the sexual offenders registration list, knowing that these individuals that abuse animals will most likely then repeat those crimes, often against humans."

Crime Stoppers rewards of up to five thousand dollars. The number to call is 713-222 TIPS.

Link to story.

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.

LAPD Officer Puts A Muzzle On Illegal Animal Sales

Courtesy of David Newey/Voice for the Animals Foundation
Cmdr. Andrew Smith poses with rescued cats Julia and
Rocky.

by Gloria Hillard
September 1, 2011
Los Angeles is cracking down on illegal animal sales. Thousands are sold on downtown streets every year. Recently, an ordinance went into effect that raises fines on the buyers, but curtailing this underground economy will not be easy.
Behind the wheel of an undercover car, Los Angeles Police Department Cmdr. Andrew Smith admits the nickname Dr. Dolittle isn't the toughest moniker a cop could have.
"But I guess it fit OK, and I didn't really mind," he says.
Over the years, Smith became well-known for having a soft spot for the tossed-away animals found on LA's downtown streets — its fashion district sitting at the heart of the illegal animal sales.
Amid an open-air bazaar of fake Gucci, Prada and Levi's, shoppers can also find animals of all kinds: lizards, snakes, rats, cats, dogs, fish, turtles, hamsters and different types of birds.
The sidewalks are overrun with bargain shoppers and merchandise that spills onto the street. And among the racks of sunglasses, sportswear and purses, the animal vendors hawk their goods.
"Unfortunately, almost all of the animals that are sold out here die in no time because of improper treatment or because they're sick or injured when they're sold," Smith says. "Or because they're too young to be away from their mother, and they die of starvation."
'One Step Closer'
A few streets away, a man is standing behind a stack of plastic cages holding turtles and baby rabbits in the hot sun. Smith, undercover wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, approaches the man.

Right next to a pair of Levi's they'll have six little baby birds that they're selling.

- Cmdr. Andrew Smith, Los Angeles Police Department

"How much for the rabbits?" Smith asks.
"Twenty," the animal vendor says.
The man grows hesitant after Smith asks him what he feeds the rabbits and quickly backs away while signaling two other men who then sweep in, grab the cages and disappear into the crowd.
"What they'll do is they'll stash the rabbits somewhere in the back — behind a store, behind a counter, in the trunk of a car and wait until we're gone," Smith says.
He says the sellers work in teams with lookouts in Santee Alley. And many store owners work with the animal vendors.
"Right next to a pair of Levi's they'll have six little baby birds that they're selling," he says.
Vendors who sell these animals face just a $25 fine. LA's new ordinance targets the buyer, with a $250 fine for the first citation and $500 for a second offense.

Web Resources

Voice for the Animals Foundation

Last Chance For Animals

"I think everything we do gets us one step closer to where these animals aren't being mistreated and aren't dying here on the streets," Smith says.
As the day draws to a close, the animal vendors start making a hasty departure from Santee Alley. However, Smith spots the rabbit seller, who starts to scurry around the back while someone else goes over to put the animals in a plastic bag.
Smith waves down an LAPD officer on a bike, but the officers know that to give chase now could put the throngs of shoppers at risk.
The man had already tossed two cages into the street: The turtles that are desperately paddling the walls of their plastic cages will be turned over to LA's Department of Animal Services.
Link to this story.

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

Responding to Animal Abuse or Neglect in Houston

Here is a list of resources compiled by Barrio Dogs for reporting animal abuse, mistreatment, neglect and chained dogs. The list is not exhaustive but contains the best information we have available.

1. HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT: Officers are supposed to investigate any report of animal abuse or neglect. Contact HPD through Dispatch; they will assign the report to an officer who is supposed to investigate.

 To make a report, call HPD Dispatch: 713-884-3131 (do not call 911)

2. HARRIS COUNTY PRECINCT 6 AND THE HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY R.A.I.D.E.R.:  In a partnership between Harris County and the Houston Humane Society, several Pct. 6 deputies spend 100% of their time responding to and investigating complaints of abuse and neglect.  

To contact, call Precinct 6 Dispatch: 713-923-9156

 Humane Society R.A.I.D.E.R.: 713-433-6421, ext. 396

 R.A.I.D.E.R. Officers: Sgt. Guerra, Sgt. Schuelke, Deputy Bair: deputy@houstonhumane.org

 Online Cruelty Submission form

3. HOUSTON SPCA: Has an investigations department staffed by nine full-time cruelty investigators; also provides an injured animal ambulance and rescue service 24 hours a day every day of the year. Unfortunately, the SPCA euthanizes many of the animals it takes in.

 SPCA main number: 713-869-SPCA (7722)

 Online Cruelty Reporting form

4. HOUSTON CRIME STOPPERS: Dog fighting and animal cruelty are illegal in Texas. You can report cruelty and dog fighting by calling Crime Stoppers, which pays up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and charging of any felony suspects. All callers will remain anonymous. 

 For more information or to make a report: Call 712-222-TIPS (8477) or go to www.crime-stoppers.org

TEXAS CHAINED DOG/UNLAWFUL RESTRAINT OF DOG LAW: In Texas, it is illegal to: 1) chain your dog from 10 PM to 6 AM; 2) chain your dog in extreme weather, and 3) chain your dog on a short leash [Texas health & Safety Code §821.077]. If you see a dog that is chained in violation of state law, call Houston Police or the Houston Humane Society.

 
Please remember that once law enforcement authorities become involved, there are several possible outcomes for the animal. In some instances, its owners may agree to address the problem, improve its living conditions or move it to a better location. In other instances, a rescue group may step up and take in the animal. However, there is also the possibility that the animal will be confiscated and taken to a potential kill shelter. In this situation, we are at a loss as to what is better for the animal: removal because of cruelty or neglect and allowing it to suffer the entire length of its short life. If we all report it, something will happen. There is strength in numbers!