Case Snapshot

Case ID: 9798

Classification: Stabbing, Beating

Animal: dog (pit-bull)

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Abuse was retaliation against animal's bad behavior

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CONVICTED: Was justice served?

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Case #9798 Rating: 5.0 out of 5

Dog stabbed in the neck, left for dead
Pittsburgh, PA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Oct 18, 2006
County: Allegheny

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 3 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Reginald Miami Coleman

Case Updates: 5 update(s) available

Authorities are seeking answers in what they called an atrocious animal cruelty case. The Animal Rescue League said Chance, a 1-year-old pit bull, was left for dead in a Dumpster with puncture wounds to the neck on Oct 16 behind Longo's Bar along East Warrington Avenue.

Video surveillance shows that just after noon, a dog was heading down the alley behind Longo's. Shortly after, a man followed behind and minutes later, was shown dragging the dog back up the alley. "I think whoever owned the dog was over here for a dog fight, and the dog got loose in the meantime, and he dragged it back to wherever he was going," said humane Officer Kathy Hecker. "They had the fight. His dog lost. He got disgusted and threw it in the garbage."

A worker at Longo's is credited with saving the dog's life.

"I went out to empty the garbage and found it in there," said Steve Evans, a worker at Longo's. "If I wouldn't have found it, you never know; it might have just died in there."

"This case is disturbing because it shows what little respect for life whoever did this has," said ARL Executive Director Charlotte Grimme. "Not only was this poor creature abused, it was simply discarded as trash."

The Animal Rescue League, along with Animal Friends is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone with information leading to the conviction of the person responsible.

Case Updates

References

• - Dec 8, 2006

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