Humane Society rescues pit bull

The Humane Society of Yuma hopes it has seen the last investigation in what has been a long, difficult year for animal cruelty in Yuma County.

On Dec. 12, an emaciated pit bull was rescued from a debris-filled shed on the 100 block of North 12th Avenue. The dog was discovered when a humane society officer came to the residence in search of the owners of puppies that had been running loose in traffic.

In addition to being emaciated, the evaluating veterinarian reported that the pit bull had a skin condition down its back, an infected right eye and a hind leg that had been dislocated for at least a week. Due to the dog’s severely deteriorated condition, the decision was made to euthanize her.

The case is just one in a long list of cruelty cases the Humane Society of Yuma’s animal control division has had to deal with this year, said Annette Lagunas, director of operations.

It’s not only the number of cruelty cases that is frustrating, she said, but the lack of resolution to so many of them.

For example, one case involving the deaths of two pit bulls who had been run over repeatedly has been pending for nearly a year, she said. Others have been pending for several months.

"Unfortunately, these animals haven't had their day in court," Lagunas said. "We need these cases to be dealt with."

That takes a team effort, she said. "We’re at the mercy of the presiding jurisdiction in regards to how far a cruelty investigation goes. We can’t make arrests, we certainly can’t prosecute.”

HSOY animal control officers are trained to recognize cruelty when they come across it in the field, said Patrol Sgt. Aaron Acton.

“If my guys suspect cruelty, they’ll document and collect evidence,” Acton said. “We only forward cases to the presiding authority we feel are substantiated and warrant criminal prosecution.”

The agency has worked hard over the last few years to increase cooperation between local agencies in fighting animal cruelty, Lagunas said.

Since the Yuma County Anti-Cruelty Task Force was created in 2007, she said, "Huge progress has been made in the level of cooperation between agencies. That's been a great thing for the Humane Society. I feel we have more of a personal relationship."

Still, Lagunas said, more needs to be done.

“We realize that local authorities have limited resources and they have cases that are priority over animal cruelty cases,” she said. “But the connection between human violence and animal cruelty has been too well-documented to ignore.”

Summary of selected 2009 cruelty cases
Cases pending criminal prosection or dismissed.

• Jan. 9 - Two pit bulls were killed after being run down and repeatedly run over with a vehicle. The killings were allegedly in response to reports that the two dogs had attacked a smaller dog. This case still lies with the Yuma County attorney.

• March 28 - A pit bull was found extremely emaciated and with severe pneumonia. “Destiny” was rescued by HSOY and was subsequently the subject of media attention. The case has been forwarded to Somerton for potential charges in that jurisdiction.

• March 30 - Owners of an emaciated Doberman with an untreated enzyme deficiency were cited by the Yuma County Sheriff's Office for failure to provide veterinary care. Owners took the dog to veterinarian and were provided a dietary supplement. The dog died two months later. The Yuma County attorney dismissed this case on May 18.

• April 7 - While en route to another call, an HSOY officer observed a chained and severely emaciated German shepherd. YCSO was contacted and an officer responded. The dog was removed by the HSOY officer and the decision was made to immediately euthanize the animal. To date, no charges have been made against the owners.

Cases with resolution or resolution pending

• Feb. 25 - A bull mastiff suffering multiple skin abrasions, weeping infections from open wounds on both ears and a visible hole in his right ear was brought into the HSOY by its owner, who said the dog had been fighting with his other dogs. The case was forwarded to the Yuma Police Department. HSOY was notified on April 16 that the owner pleaded no contest to neglect, abandonment and cruelty.

• Sept. 24 - An HSOY officer responding to an animal welfare check discovered 13 dogs chained outside a residence. Many of these animals were severely malnourished and had no access to food or water despite the extreme heat. YPD officers arrived to assist with the investigation, which revealed an additional 16 animals inside the residence. HSOY is actively working with the city of Yuma prosecutor and the YPD to seek charges in this case.

Open cases

• June 29 - An HSOY officer responded to a call from Border Patrol regarding a deceased dog at County 7-3/4 Street and Levee Road. The dog had been shot at least one time in the side of the head.

• July 24 - HSOY received a report of a dead dog on the grounds of a school. The responding officer observed what appeared to be a laceration around the dog’s mouth and collected evidence at the scene. A veterinarian confirmed that the dog had been stabbed.

Joyce Lobeck can be reached at jlobeck@yumasun.com or 539-6853.