Illinois: Edward Hanania charged with animal cruelty for throwing elderly man's toy poodles from parking tower, killing one

ILLINOIS -- An Illinois man is facing two felony counts of animal cruelty after police say he threw two toy poodles from the top floor of a parking tower at Advocate Christ Hospital in south suburban Oak Lawn over the weekend.

Officers responded just after 12:05 p.m. on May 20 to a report of two injured dogs between Towers B and C near West 93rd Street and South Kilbourn Avenue. The dogs were described as white toy poodles.

Investigators believe 22-year-old Edward Hanania falsely claimed to be the owner of two toy poodles on a lost and found section of an area Facebook page. The Good Samaritan believed him and gave him the two little dogs.

Hanania is said to have taken the two little poodles to the hospital parking garage, gone up to the 5th floor level and then thrown them over the side. 

One of the dogs, 12-pound Angel is just over a year old, survived the five-story fall. Angel's father, 6-year-old Garo, was also thrown from the five-story structure but died. It's believed Angel survived because he landed on the grass while Garo hit the concrete.

The dogs' real owner is described as an older man who is now heartbroken over what happened to them after they escaped from his home near 55th and Troy. They were picked up by a Good Samaritan, and their pictures were posted to the local Facebook page.

Investigators say Hannania falsely claimed them as his only to have real owner show up a short time later with documentation.

The dogs' actual owner was overcome with emotion when he came in to claim his surviving dog.

"I had an elderly gentleman crying so hard and praying over the dead body and over Angel, and Angel's been crying for him now," said Linda Estrada, Chicago Ridge Animal Welfare League.

"He's a big elderly man, and just crying his eyes out. He said 'These are my babies. Why would someone want to hurt my babies?'" Estrada said.

Angel had to have a pin put in his leg in two places. He's also scheduled for surgery Tuesday morning.

"His leg is broke, he's got hip pins, two pins in it, and his ribs are real sore," said Linda Estrada, Animal Welfare League. "It's a good five-story fall. It's unbelievable."

Hanania has a criminal record and is expected to appear in bond court Tuesday. Police are also looking into witness accounts that he was seen at an Oak Lawn Target with a black dog whose whereabouts are unknown.

"I can't imagine why somebody would do it," said Division Chief Randy Palmer, Oak Lawn police. "I don't know if this individual went there with that specific intent of doing and at some point that did entire his mind, and carry out the act."

"I would just like to say to him why? Just why?" Estrada said.

 

VIDEO

(FOX 6 Milwaukee - May 23, 2017)

Australia: Toy poodle nearly mauled to death by pit bulls in Gungahlin

AUSTRALIA -- The owner of a toy poodle savaged by two pit bulls says stricter laws could have prevented the attack.

Briana Grame's poodle Elsa was mauled on Sunday afternoon in a near-fatal attack on Horse Park Drive in Gungahlin.

The dogs, which Ms Grame believed to be pit bulls, were leashed but not muzzled when they escaped their owner's grasp and set upon the poodle.

"We had our backs turned when one of the dogs bolted over to Elsa," the 19-year-old said.

"It had snapped its collar to get to her. The owner tried to control it but accidentally let go of the other dog, which started attacking Elsa as well."

One of the dogs tore at the poodle's stomach while the other attacked its head.

"I was screaming. They were killing her," Ms Grame said.

"Those dogs weren't going to stop for anyone. We couldn't get them off."

Ms Grame's boyfriend Rhys Balcomb managed to wrestle Elsa away just as her abdomen was ripped open.

"He scooped her up and bolted for home. We could see her ribs and she was bleeding everywhere," Ms Grame said. 

The poodle was rushed to the Gungahlin Veterinary Hospital where she was patched up in a lengthy operation.

"They called us at one point to say her injuries were worse than anticipated," Ms Grame said.

"They found puncture wounds in her chest. Waiting for the vets to give her the all-clear was the longest three hours of my life."

Ms Grame said she believed the pit bulls were still being walked in the area and she was now terrified of walking Elsa on her own.

"The owner hasn't come forward since the attack. I don't feel safe walking my dog in the neighbourhood at the moment."

While there were no easy solutions, Ms Grame called on the ACT government to consider laws that could prevent future attacks.

"I just keep thinking about how different it would have been if these dogs were required to wear muzzles," she said.

Other options might include tighter regulation of dangerous breeds and tougher penalties for those who did not obey existing rules, she said.

In its latest annual report, Transport Canberra and City Services revealed it had investigated 360 attacks in the past year and seized 124 dogs.

Despite the significant number of incidents, just twelve dogs were classified as "dangerous" in 2016.

Opposition urban services spokesman Steve Doszpot has previously said current laws needed to be reviewed.

"The Canberra Liberals support an examination of the effectiveness of the legislation but we are also concerned about how the current legislation is being enforced," Mr Doszpot said.

Transport Canberra and City Services said they were investigating the attack but were unable to comment further.

A gofundme page has been started to help raise the $5,000 needed to cover Elsa's vet bills. 

(The Canberra Times - Feb 16, 2017)

Delaware: After poodle was mauled to death by her pit bull, owner Valerie Taylor fought dangerous dog designation until she let it kill a 2nd dog

DELAWARE -- A Georgetown dog has [finally] been euthanized after [being allowed to attack and kill] two small dogs in five months and also faced allegations of aggressive behavior toward people and pets.

Moka, a pit bull owned by Edward Street residents Valerie Taylor and her son, Kevaughn Taylor, attacked and killed a neighbor's toy poodle mix on Jan. 12, prompting Valerie Taylor to give up her fight to keep the dog.

After the case fell apart and Valerie Taylor's
pit bull returned to her, it was seen running
loose again - before killing a 2nd dog

In fall 2016, Moka was at the center of a state Office of Animal Welfare investigation, after she attacked and killed a toy poodle owned by the same neighbors.

Because Taylor voluntarily euthanized Moka following the recent attack, no dangerous dog hearing was necessary, said OAW spokeswoman Andrea Wojcik.

After Valerie Taylor's pit bull attacked and killed their
poodle, the family got this puppy mend their broken hearts

State animal-control officers initially pursued two dangerous dog hearings against Moka in 2016 to determine whether the dog was too dangerous to remain in the community.

The first hearing, prompted after the first killing, was dismissed by a judge because officers failed to file necessary paperwork within the legally required 72 hours.

The pit bull on the right was allowed
to maul and kill two dogs in 5 months

The second hearing, filed after Moka allegedly charged at and cornered a neighbor on a nearby property, was withdrawn “to preserve evidence for future filings,” a department spokesperson said at the time.

VALERIE TAYLOR'S OTHER PIT BULL ALSO A PROBLEM

Valerie Taylor could not be reached for comment. The Taylors own a second pit bull named D.C., which neighbors said has been seen running at large on several occasions.

“This has gone on since August 2015, and I think everyone should be aware how this ended – with another little dog getting killed,” said neighbor April Cleveland.

Valerie Taylor with her 2nd pit bull, which
neighbors say is also a problem.

Read more:

• Nancy Street newsletters about the dog attacks
• Sept. 18 incident report

(Cape Gazette - February 8, 2017)

Earlier:

• Delaware: Dangerous dog case against pit bull thrown out, due to technicality, despite fatal attack
• Delaware: Georgetown killer pit bull seized again; Animal control officers file for dangerous dog hearing

United Kingdom: Firefighters spend 9 hours digging to rescue dog from drain

UNITED KINGDOM -- Firefighters have rescued a pet dog that was stuck 15 feet underground for 27 hours.

Eight officers carried out the nine-hours rescue with specialist excavation, videoing and listening devices usually deployed in the event of a natural disaster or building collapse.

After an exhausting effort, which involved sending cameras underground and drawing maps of what was visible, Moppit the Patterdoodle, was recovered from a tunnel.

Operation Moppit concluded when the pet was pulled through a narrow crevice in the ground and reunited with relieved owner, Rachel Stormonth-Darling.

The eight-year-old dog, a Patterdale Terrier and Mini Poodle cross, ended up underground after making her way from an empty stream at the end of her garden into a tunnel.

Moppit became trapped after she caused part of the tunnel to collapse while trying to dig her way out.

Rachel, 53, heard her pet whimpering from underneath the next door neighbor's garden patio, in Iwerne Minster, Dorset, at which point she had already been missing for 18 hours.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service station manager, Stuart Gillion, attended the address and found Moppit stranded 15 feet below the earth in a tunnel usually full of water.

Due to her precarious position he called in a fire crew, a technical rescue team and the urban search and rescue unit from Exeter, Devon - a highly trained underground rescue team.

Mark Greave, the owner of the property, gave officers permission to excavate two holes in his garden.

By using specially made cameras they were able to establish the layout of the tunnels and draw up a map, which allowed them to safely dig into an area of earth with a piece of specialist ground-breaking machinery.

They were assisted by neighbor and local history buff Michael Orham who has lived in the village for over 30 years and knows the formation of the underground tunnels. He advised the firefighters where to dig.

Moppit assisted proceedings by barking the entire time to show her position.

Nine hours after help arrived a smaller member of the team entered the tunnel through the small hole in the patio and retrieved the dog, which surfaced covered in dirt and was badly dehydrated.

After giving her some water Rachel was relieved to see her pet make a full recovery.

Rachel, who runs a Dorset travel website, said: 'I was scouring the garden when I noticed the stream had gone dry, which had never happened before.

'I put my ear to the connecting tunnel and heard Moppit.

'Then I walked into my neighbors garden and heard her again, this time much more clearly, through a drain and called the fire department.'

She added: 'The rescue team was incredible, I thought there was no chance she'd get rescued - it was against all odds she survived.

'The drilling through the ground was extraordinary - like a knife through butter. It was amazing to have her back in my arms, I was in complete shock.

'I'm so relieved that the whole ordeal ended happily for Moppit, she's the luckiest dog alive. It makes you realize how lucky we are in this country to have people who can do this.'

Mr Gillion, who led the rescue, said: 'After a call from a concerned member of the public I attended the scene and found the owner trying to shift the dirt with her bare hands, we had to convince her from going underground herself.

'I decided we needed additional expertise and called in the Urban Search and Rescue Unit, whose highly trained officers made the rescue possible.

 

'After identifying the dog's location we drew up a map on a whiteboard and dug a hole before one of our smaller team members recovered her. Moppit was very dirty and thirsty but the owner was very relieved. It was a good rescue with great teamwork and a happy ending.'

Both Rachel and Stuart gave thanks to the work of the urban search and rescue team, which was set up in the wake of the September 11 attacks. They generally use their special recovery equipment for incidents such as cliff collapses and floods.  

(Daily Mail - Dec 1, 2016)

Illinois: Woman asks for donations to help with vet bills after little poodle attacked and DISEMBOWELED by a pit bull

ILLINOIS -- Anyone that can help with my baby muñeca,she got attacked by a pit bull and had surgery already now she's in recovery but we need help,it's a miracle she survived her surgery because in the condition she was in she shouldn't of made it,the fact that she's still with us says a lot,please anyone that can help will be much appreciated. thank you❤️

GoFundMe: "Save My Dog Muñeca"

Our beloved muñeca got attack by a pit bull who was off leash with no owner in site.

She was bitten 8 times  which caused 10 bite wounds, one of which opened up her stomach, that caused her intestines to come out. 

The total amount for the surgery  comes out to be  around $3,500. Plus the more the get her back to being happy and healthy. We are asking  for any help that you can give to help pay for her costs because the owners of the pit bull are refusing to pay. We truly appreciate it . Please  keep our baby in your prayers she's a true hero and fighter, and she has been threw alot. Thanks for taking a moment of your time and as well to whom are helping as well thank you.

 

 

Delaware: Georgetown killer pit bull seized again; Animal control officers file for dangerous dog hearing

DELAWARE -- Less than two weeks after a victory in court, a Georgetown family's killer pit bull has again been seized after it got loose and has been accused of terrorizing a neighbor.

Valerie Taylor and Kevaughn Taylor's pit bull Moka was the subject of a dangerous dog hearing Oct. 17 after the dog killed a neighbor's toy poodle in September.

Judge Michael Sherlock dismissed the case because he said documents showed Office of Animal Welfare officers failed to request the hearing within 72 hours of identifying the dog's owner, as mandated by law.

But when Moka got loose again Oct. 27 and attempted to attack a neighboring resident, officials were given a second chance to file for a hearing. This time, officers filed the necessary documents the following day.

“We are disappointed that the case involving a potentially dangerous dog from Georgetown was dismissed,” said Emily Knearl, a spokeswoman with the Department of Health and Social Services. “We firmly believe the dog in question is a danger to the community.”

Seized by animal-control officers Oct. 27, Moka’s fate now depends on the upcoming court hearing.

When she ran from her yard on Edward Street in Georgetown Oct. 27, she charged at Georgetown resident Mary Cahill, who said she and her pet poodle had been attacked by Moka and the Taylor's second pit bull, DC, last fall. Cahill and her poodle, who were on their Nancy Street property at the time, were uninjured.

Valerie Taylor's pit bulls. The one on the right
has already killed a dog.

“I just can't believe it happened again,” Cahill said. “I'm just glad I didn't have my dog in the yard with me or my grandchildren. If they were there with me, I might not have been able to grab them and run. It could have been a whole lot worse.”

When Moka charged at Cahill, who was in the yard raking leaves Oct. 27, Cahill locked herself in her fenced-in dog pen and was uninjured. Neighbors immediately contacted police and animal control, who seized Moka that day. Moka left Cahill's yard and returned home when officers arrived, Cahill said.

Georgetown Police Department Chief Randall Hughes, who was on scene Oct. 27, said there have been several complaints from area residents about the Taylors' dogs.

“We've had enough calls that it is a concern for us,” he said. “We're aware of the issue. We're working with the residents there and using all the resources we can to make it safe there.”

After Valerie Taylor's pit bull attacked and killed their
poodle, the family got this puppy mend their broken hearts

Valerie Taylor declined to comment about the incident, but she said she was issued a citation for dog-at-large because her son was not home at the time.

The Office of Animal Welfare refused to share the incident report with the Cape Gazette, stating it will not be released until the case is closed.

Court dockets show the Office of Animal Welfare filed for a dangerous dog hearing Oct. 28, identifying Kevaughn Taylor as the defendant. Subpoenas for the hearing have been issued to the Taylors, Cahill and three other neighbors, the docket shows.

During the pending dangerous dog hearing, a judge will decide whether Moka is not dangerous, potentially dangerous or dangerous. The owners could be required to keep her restrained at all times, spay her, get at least $100,000 in liability insurance or have her euthanized.

Valerie Taylor's son, Kevaughn Taylor, also faces trial in February after pleading not guilty to a criminal charge of maintaining a dangerous animal related to Moka’s attack on a toy poodle in September. State law shows, if convicted, the charge would likely be considered a Class A misdemeanor; the charge would be considered a felony if Moka had injured or killed a person instead of a dog.

State police said Kevaughn Taylor also is being charged with disorderly conduct after he went to All Aboard Kennels in Frankford Oct. 27 and began cursing at and threatening an officer while trying to get his dog back. He was arrested and released on $250 unsecured bond.

Valerie Taylor with her 2nd pit bull, which
neighbors say is also a problem.

A handful of neighbors, including Cahill, said they expected someone – or some dog – was going to get hurt if the dogs continued to get loose in the neighborhood.

“Some people's pets have been seriously injured already,” Cahill said. “I don't want it to be a human life.”

The Office of Animal Welfare has only confirmed one attack on a neighboring dog in July, the fatal attack in September and the most recent incident in October, noting that it would not verify the identity of the dogs or the dogs' owners. Nearby residents argue they have made several complaints about the dogs since 2015, while the Taylors previously refuted most of those claims.

State officials said in a previous interview that a draft policy for releasing information about dog-control related incidents is under legal review.

The dangerous dog hearing for Moka and Kevaughn Taylor is scheduled for 9 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Justice of the Peace Court 16 in Dover.

(Cape Gazette - November 8, 2016)

Earlier:

• Delaware: Dangerous dog case against pit bull thrown out, due to technicality, despite fatal attack

Illinois: Miniature poodle attacked and killed by loose pit bull

ILLINOIS -- "My heart is so so heavy, my sweet doggie, Sagwa was killed by neighbor's pit bull. I'm devastated, please leash your dogs...."

  

Illinois: Miniature Poodle lucky to be alive after being attacked neighbor's by pit bull

ILLINOIS -- Iona Wilcher, September 10 at 10:42pm: "I am trying to start a gofundme page to help my dog get the care he needs. It keeps showing an old page I started over a year ago.

"As soon as I can get this problem fixed I would appreciate all the help I can to get my dog the medical care he needs. Please share once you see it, and help if you are able to. The quote I received from the vet for just basic care was $800 to $1500."

 

Charles A Wilcher Sr. "My dog, Fievel was attacked by a Pit Bull dog on Saturday night."

Tamera Harrell: Oh no!!! My Lord! Praying! Was the pit captured?

Charles A Wilcher Sr.: Yes. We took him to the Vet and they cleaned him up, sewed him up. There was three places that needed stitches. He is home resting now.

Susan Lee: I don't want to scare you but once an aggressive dog attacks another dog he will try to go after him again to finish the job it happened to us with our neighbors dog. After the 2nd attack our dog was never the same. I would have owners get rid of that dog immediately!

Charles A Wilcher Sr.: This is the second time this dog tried to get Fievel. The first time I saw him coming and was able to raise my dog up high so the other dog could not reach him. This time it was dark and I could not see the dog until he had attacked my dog.

 

Fievel just had his 7th birthday on May 29th. Poor little man. I hope he'll be OK. 

Update from GoFundMe:
Fievel is slowly recovering from being chewed. He is under the influence of anesthesia so he was trying to walk on his leg. Now he is resting. I want to take this time to thank God above all else. I would like to thank all of my family and friends who prayed for him and wished him well.

I think, based on what she's saying, that she reached her funding goal with her fundraiser. Nice that people helped them.

  

California: Shelby Lujan and her boyfriend Paul Souter, 25, facing charges in horrific scalding death of their 2 year-old dog

CALIFORNIA -- A Bay Area couple has been charged with felony animal abuse for allegedly scalding their 2-year-old dog and then waiting more than a week before seeking treatment.

The dog, a Poodle / Maltese mix (Maltipoo) named Sprocket, died shortly after he was brought into a veterinary clinic. The vet staff tried their best to save him, but it was too late. Investigators said the dog had third-degree burns on 40 percent of his body.

RIP little guy

The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA, assisted by police and the San Mateo district attorney's office, investigated the case that resulted in charges against Shelby Lujan and her boyfriend, Paul Souter.

The couple told investigators that they had accidentally spilled a cup of boiling water into Sprocket's crate. Lujan brought the dog into the clinic on May 1, saying he had been injured more than a week earlier.

An expert forensic veterinarian who assisted in the investigation said the pattern and severity of the injuries appears intentional and consistent with the dog being lowered or placed in a scalding liquid.

"The details of this case are horrific," said Ken White, president of Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA.

Souter's booking photo in Oregon before
they shipped him down to California

"After the scalding, the poor dog endured days of horrendous suffering. We hope our investigation will provide the evidence needed to bring Sprocket justice, and ensure that his owners are unable to hurt any other animals."

Paul Joseph Souter, 25, is charged with felony counts of maliciously and intentionally wounding an animal and failing to provide proper care to an animal, according to Deputy District Attorney Al Serrato.

Souter’s girlfriend Shelby Lynne Lujan is 'only' charged with the second felony and is out on bail, Serrato said. Souter was arrested Aug. 21 in Bend, Oregon and will soon be extradited, Serrato said.

SOUTER WAS GIVEN A $100,000 BOND!

Lujan's pre-trial is October 6 and preliminary hearing October 10th.

The Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA is a private, independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization for San Mateo. Its Humane Investigations Department, which is funded entirely by donations from individuals, led the investigation.

Click here to read the warrant information for Shelby Lujan
Click here to read the warrant information for Paul Souter

ARREST INFO FOR SHELBY LYNNE LUJAN:
Shelby Lynne Lujan
8XX Green Avenue, San Bruno CA 94066
I have photos of her from social media but I'm waiting until they release her booking photo so I can be sure it's the same "Shelby Lynne Lujan".


ARREST INFO FOR PAUL JOSEPH SOUTER:
Paul Joseph Souter
2XX Mitchell Loop, Bosque Farms, NM 87068
ARREST NUMBER: 152475
FIRST NAME: PAUL
LAST NAME: SOUTER
MIDDLE NAME: JOSEPH
YEAR OF BIRTH: 1991
CURRENT AGE: 25
BOOKING DATE: 8/21/2016 4:48:00 PM
HEIGHT: 6' 2"
WEIGHT: 230 lbs
HAIR COLOR: BRO
EYE COLOR: BRO
RACE: HISPANIC
SEX: MALE
ARRESTING AGENCY: OREGON STATE POLICE
ARREST DATE: 08/21/2016
CITY: Bend
STATE: Oregon
BOND: $100,000
CHARGE: OUT OF COUNTY WARRANT

PREVIOUS ARREST FOR PAUL SOUTER:
Paul Joseph Souter
Arrest date: 06/15/2016
Booking Location: Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Charges:

1. NO PROOF OF INSURANCE;STATUTE: 66-5-205B;BOND: $1250;NOTES: CASH/SURETY
2. DRIVING WHILE LICENSE REVOKED (ARREST CLAUSE);STATUTE: 66-5-39
3. NO LICENSE PLATE/EXPIRED/DISPLAYED;STATUTE: 66-3-18(1)
4. SPEEDING (16-25 MPH OVER)/BUS/RESD AREA;STATUTE: 66-7-301A

(East Bay Times - Aug 30, 2016)

New York: Neglected, Abandoned Miniature Poodle Found Tied To Gate On Long Island

NEW YORK -- Authorities on Friday were searching for the person responsible for abusing a miniature poodle.

As WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall reported, the poodle suffered abuse for a very long time, according to Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Chief Roy Gross.

“Severely emaciated and in critical condition when it was found,” Gross said. “Just to give you an idea of how bad it is, it was covered in fleas, it was severely anemic, the fur was worn away, and the teeth not only were rotting, but with fur from constant biting. You could imagine how this dog suffered for such a long period of time.”

The 14-year-old male dog was found tied to the front gate of the Smithtown Animal shelter with an oxygen tube. He was being treated late Friday, and Gross hoped the dog would improve enough to be adopted.

The SPCA is offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information should to call the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722.

(CBS Local - Aug 5, 2016)

Florida: Rashaun Ray, 20, beat his sister's poodle to death and threw its body into a canal

FLORIDA -- A Fort Pierce man who complained of feeling underappreciated by his family, took his anger out on his sister’s toy poodle, killing the animal and disposing of its body in a canal, the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office said this week.

Rashaun Eric Ray, 20, was arrested Tuesday on charges of cruelty to animals, grand theft, destruction of evidence and violation of probation. He was being held without bail Wednesday at the St. Lucie County Jail.

Ray allegedly told investigators he was tired of feeling underappreciated by his mother and sister when they refused to let him in the house. He took his sister’s poodle, slammed it against the concrete several times and then threw it into a canal, the sheriff’s office said.

Ray has a history of anger issues and he showed no remorse for killing the animal, according to investigators.

“Actions like this sicken me,” St. Lucie Sheriff Ken Mascara said in a statement Wednesday. “Family pets are just as worthy of protection and care as any other being.”

(Palm Beach Post - July 7, 2016)