The Humane Society of Yuma hopes that its latest cruelty investigation will be the last in what has been a long, difficult year for animal cruelty in Yuma County.
On December 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 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 dog had a skin condition down its back, a swollen, infected right eye and 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.
It’s not only the number of cruelty cases that frustrates HSOY Director of Operations Annette Lagunas, but the lack of resolution to so many of the cases. “It’s a team effort. We’re at the mercy of the presiding jurisdiction in regards to how far a cruelty investigation goes,” Lagunas said. “We can’t make arrests, we certainly can’t prosecute.”
Humane officers are trained to recognize cruelty when they come across it in the field,” said HSOY Patrol Sargent Aaron Acton. “If my guys suspect cruelty, they’ll document and collect evidence,” said HSOY Patrol Sargent Aaron Action. “We only forward cases to the presiding authority we feel are substantiated and warrant criminal prosecution.”
The Humane Society of Yuma has worked hard over the last few years to increase cooperation between local agencies in fighting cruelty. The Yuma County Anti-Cruelty Task Force was created in 2007. Both Lagunas and Acton agree that progress has been made in the level of cooperation between agencies, however, a lot of work remains to be done.”
“We realize that local authorities have limited resources and that they have cases that are priority over animal cruelty cases,” Lagunas 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.
- January 9 Two pit bulls killed after being run down and repeatedly ran 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 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 extensive media attention. In last report, the County reported that they denied felony charges and was forwarding the case to Somerton for potential charges in that jurisdiction.
- March 30 Owners of an emaciated Doberman with an untreated enzyme deficiency were cited for failure to provide veterinary care by YCSO. Owners took dog to veterinarian where they were provided dietary supplement. Dog died two months later. The county attorney dismissed this case on May 18, 2009.
- April 7 While en route to another call, an officer observed a chained and severely emaciated German Shepherd. YCSO was contacted and an officer responded. The dog was removed by the humane 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
- February 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 stated the dog had been fighting with his other dogs. HSOY forwarded the case to the YPD. HSOY was notified on April 16 that the owner pleaded no contest to neglect, abandonment and cruelty.
- September 24 A humane officer responding to an animal welfare check discovered 13 dogs chained outside the residence. Many of these animals were severely malnourished and had no access to food or water, despite the extreme heat. Following the discovery, the Yuma Police Department 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 Yuma Police Department to seek charges in this case.
Open cases
- June 29 An HSOY Animal Control Officer responded to a call from Border Patrol regarding a deceased dog at County 7 ¾ and Levee Road. Upon arrival the ACO noticed 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 local area school. The responding officer observed what appeared to be a laceration around the dog’s mouth. The officer collected evidence before leaving the scene. A local veterinarian examined the dog and confirmed that the dog had been stabbed. The examining veterinarian believed that the dog’s death was caused by the injury.
Pictured:: Destiny, right, arrived at our shelter on March 28 severely emaciated and suffering from pneumonia. 
