Increase of Video Evidence in Animal Cruelty Cases NR14018rh

Los
Angeles: In the last couple of years, the Los Angeles Police
Department’s Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) has seen an increase
in the number of cases where video evidence has been provided by
members of the public.

Video evidence has captured images of the horrific violence often
associated with animal cruelty. With the availability of smart
phones and video surveillance, this valuable evidence has
contributed greatly to the identification of suspects and criminal
charges of animal cruelty being filed.

Noteworthy is the number of cases where members of the public have
reached out to ACTF with video evidence to report animal cruelty
incidents. A common factor compelling members of the public to
provide video evidence on animal cruelty cases is a deep concern
for public safety. Witnesses come to the realization that anyone
that would commit such horrific acts of violence on defenseless
animals could also do the same to humans.

On January 3, 2014, the ACTF received its latest case where members
of the public captured images of animal cruelty. This information
led to the arrest of 28-year-old Dossey James. In this case, James
repeatedly dragged a puppy on a leash up and down the street and
sidewalk because it refused to walk. The video images clearly
revealed the puppy being dragged a considerable distance.
Witnesses reported that despite the puppy being injured and leaving
a blood trail on the sidewalk, James continued to inflict trauma on
the puppy.

The incident caused Southwest Patrol Officers to respond and arrest
James for Animal Cruelty. The ACTF was notified and immediately
responded and assumed the investigation. The puppy received
medical treatment for his injuries, which consisted of numerous
lacerations to the legs, and stomach area. The puppy required
surgical repair of the lacerations, and is expected to make a full
recovery. During the investigation the video evidence was
discovered.

On January 7, 2014, the District Attorney’s Office charged James
with two counts of felony Animal Cruelty, and set bail at $145,000.
The reason for the large bail amount was due to the investigation
uncovering another similar incident of animal abuse alleged against
James.

The ACTF was established in 2005 and consists of personnel from the
Los Angeles Police Department and the Department of Animal
Services. This partnership facilitates a comprehensive approach to
the prevention, intervention, detection, and prosecution of acts of
animal cruelty. The success of ACTF is achieved through the
investigative expertise of the task force members, the use of
veterinary forensics, and the prosecution efforts of the Los
Angeles City Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County District
Attorney’s Office.

The City of Los Angeles aggressively investigates and prosecutes
acts of animal cruelty. There is a strong correlation between
those who commit acts of animal cruelty and those who commit acts
of violence against humans, and the goal of the ACTF is to break
the cycle of violence through aggressive prevention, intervention,
detection, and prosecution of acts of animal cruelty.

Acts of animal cruelty can
be reported by contacting ACTF detectives at (213) 486-0450.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed
to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by
texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a
cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters
“LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on
“Anonymous Web Tips.”