KFOX14 has learned that a woman has now stepped up and claimed ownership of the blue nose pit bull and is fighting to get her back.
“Right now the issue that we're seeing is that there might be a custody battle for Bella because she was registered to somebody else,” said Kandolite Flores, the associate director of the El Paso Humane Society.
However, sources close to the case tell KFOX14 that the woman lives in the same house as the soldier accused of beating the dog, meaning Bella could wind up right back where she started.
“In Texas and in most states animals are considered property and that's why Animal Services can come into a home and cite people but they have to call local law enforcement like the El Paso Police Department to come in and they have to get a judge to serve a warrant in order to go into the home and going to the yard and remove the animals. So that's why it's not a very simple process,” Flores said.
El Paso police arrested 26-year-old Andrew Glenn on Tuesday and charged him with animal cruelty. According to the arrest affidavit, Glenn punched the dog at least 10 times in the face and chest. He also kicked her several times and was seen picking her up by the front paws several times as she cowered in distress. Police officers also determined that the dog did not have adequate shelter to protect herself from the elements.
Fort Bliss is also conducting an investigation into the case to see if Glenn broke Army regulations. If so, he could face separate punishments from the military.
“The mistreatment of animals is inconsistent with Army values and the conduct we expect from our soldiers and we will investigate the facts and take appropriate action,” said Fort Bliss spokesman LTC. Craig Childs.
Fort Bliss could not provide prior disciplinary records against the soldier but said if Glenn is found guilty, he could face punishments ranging from counseling to demotion.
Back at Animal Services, Bella is quickly adjusting to her new environment.
“She's doing really good right now. She's actually warmed up to some of the city employees who have been working with her and she appears to be pretty great dog. Obviously she was under high stress coming from the situation she was in and getting used to the shelter. But right now she's in a comfy place and she feels safe,” Flores said.
The Humane Society is also hoping to gain custody of Bella. They want to send the pit bull to a behavior therapist who specializes in abused dogs to get Bella adoption ready.
“Every animal is unique and every animal, unfortunately like Bella, can become a victim of their surroundings,” Flores said.
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| UPDATE: Andrew Glenn, indicted on animal cruelty charge |
There are no behavior therapists to meet the dog’s needs in El Paso so the Humane Society has reached out to its national partners for help.
“We actually have had some luck with some of our national contacts. We've had four great (animal) rescues who are all willing to step in and take Bella. So the next up is if she is released to us we will set up transport to get her out so they can work with her,” Flores said.
The matter of Bella’s ownership is now up for the courts to decide. There has been no word on when a judge will make a decision.
“Now we have to wait for it to actually go to court to see what the judge decides,” Flores said.
KFOX14 Reached out to the woman who claims Bella is hers but could not get a hold of her.
(KFOXTV - Sept 16, 2015)
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