Case Snapshot
Case ID: 18761
Classification: Mutilation/Torture
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
More cases in Hampton City County, VA
More cases in VA
« Back to Search Results
Reward: $1,000
Login to Watch this Case

New features are coming soon. Login with Facebook to get an early start and help us test them out!



Images for this Case

For more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.



Monday, Oct 10, 2011

County: Hampton City

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Earlier this month, PETA was alerted to the suffering of a young pit bull pup kept in the backyard of 400 Cedar Dr. in Hampton. The pup's ears were crusty, bloody, and infected - evidently as a result of having her ears crudely cut in an attempt to "crop" them. Cropping is a cosmetic procedure that - when done in accordance with state laws - must be performed by a licensed veterinarian while the animal is under anesthesia. PETA has learned that the dog - who is now permanently disfigured - had reportedly been purchased from a breeder in the James City County area. Additional information is needed before James City County Animal Control can investigate. That's why PETA is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for mutilating the ears of this and other puppies in his or her charge.

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "Nobody who can hack away at a defenseless animal should be allowed within 10 feet of dogs, let alone be allowed to breed, raise, and sell them."

PETA often sees the grisly results of home cropping jobs like this, which are often associated with dogfighting. Scissors, knives, and other instruments are used to hack off the ears of pit bulls to make them look "tough." This is illegal both because it violates cruelty-to-animals laws and because it could be considered practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact PETA at 757-622-7382, extension 8370.

For more information and to view pictures of this dog's ears, please visit PETA's blog.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
PETA
757-622-7382 ext. 8370

References

« Back to Search Results
« VA State Animal Cruelty Map
« More cases in Hampton City County, VA

Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.