2 dogs shot dead execution style
Pocopson, PA (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Oct 25, 2009
County: Chester
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Tough-guy stars of a reality TV show have joined the search for whoever shot two dogs to death execution style in southern Chester County.
Eight members from the National Geographic show "Rescue Ink Unleashed" pledged their assistance to the investigation of slain dogs Emma and Luna.
Rescue Ink is a group of tattooed, motorcycle-riding advocates "who have joined together to fight animal cruelty, educate abusers and help resolve situations other rescue groups can't -- or won't -- handle themselves," the group's Web site says.
"Come find us before we find you," said Rescue Ink member Joe Panz during a news conference Friday afternoon at the Chester County SPCA.
Panz said it's important to find the dog slayer because of the known link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.
"This was a violent, heinous act," said Rich Britton, a spokesman for the Chester County SPCA. "What kind of person kills two family pets? Somebody knows something."
The dog owners -- James Milliner, and his cousin, Paul Bartholomew -- said they miss their dogs.
"Each day it gets a little easier," said Milliner. "I feel terrible about it."
The owners also said they are grateful for the community's support.
"It seems senseless," said Bartholomew. "I can't imagine why anyone would do something like this."
The reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the slaying has increased to $50,000. Britton said the donations have come from various sources, mainly Chester County residents.
"As far as we're concerned, compassion has no budget," Britton said.
In addition to the Rescue Ink crew, state police at the Avondale barracks have assisted with the investigation. State police are continuing to investigate "this troubling case of animal cruelty," Britton said.
The dogs were last seen by their owners on their 100-acre farm off South Wawaset Road in Pocopson roughly three months ago. The owners reported them missing to the Chester County SPCA on Oct. 25, 2009.
Later that day, the owners received a call from an SPCA officer who found dogs that matched the description of Luna and Emma. The bodies were found about six miles from home by railroad tracks near Brinton's Bridge Road in Pennsbury. The two dogs were reportedly shot between their eyes then placed tail-to-tail by the railroad tracks.
Luna, a German shorthaired pointer mix, was 2 years old. Emma, a German shorthaired pointer purebred, was 1½ years old.
The penalty for the slayer of Luna and Emma is up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine or both. The crime is considered a misdemeanor of animal cruelty.
Investigators ask anyone with information about the slain dogs to call the Chester County SPCA at 610-692-6113, ext. 213, or state police at the Avondale barracks at 610-268-2022. Tips can also be called in to Rescue Ink at 1-800-510-7355. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Chester County SPCA
610-692-6113
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