California: Adopted Dog Killed, Owner Under Investigation in Goleta

CALIFORNIA -- A dog adopted from the Santa Barbara County animal shelter, on Overpass Road in Goleta, last month has died and animal rescue activists are accusing the owner of animal cruelty leading to the dog's death

Kelly Hoover, the public information officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, said they were looking into the incident, but did not name the suspect.

Julia di Sieno, of the Animal Rescue Team, said an anonymous tip led to the investigation.  The witness said the dog appeared to be afraid and owner before it died.

The chihuahua's remains have been recovered from a yard in Goleta and will be studied.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services' volunteers said a good Samaritan helped a young man adopt the dog when he could not afford the adoption fees.

Di Sieno, the founder of Davey's Legacy, said another person reported hearing the dog whimpering days earlier.  She believes the dog was kicked, strangled and possibly drowned.

Madison Alton, an Animal Rescue Team volunteer said, "No animal should go through any cruelly.They can't speak out we need to be the voice for them."

Davey's Legacy is a 501C4 non-profit with a Facebook page.  It's named after a dog killed by a man who was convicted of animal abuse and deported to China.

To avoid confusion with another organization named after Davey, di Sieno said she plans to change the non-profits name to Animal Abuse Task Force.

(KEYT 3 Santa Barbara - May 24, 2016)