Man Arrested for Animal Cruelty

Los
Angeles: A 22-year-old Encino man is under arrest for
suspicion of animal cruelty.

On February 18, 2008, at around 2:30 p.m., officers from the City
of Los Angeles’ Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) were called to
investigate a case of animal cruelty in the 6400 block of Bertrand
Avenue, Encino.

West Valley patrol officers had originally responded to the
location to check on the welfare of a resident there after
receiving information that he was despondent over a break up with
his girlfriend and had threatened to harm a small puppy. The person
reporting the incident had audiotape of the suspect claiming he was
harming the dog and it could be heard yelping in pain.

After entering the residence and detaining the suspect, Steven
William Butcher, officers located a Pitbull puppy in the laundry
room sink. The injured puppy was lying under a running faucet and
was drenched in cold running water.

Butcher was arrested for Cruelty to Animals and posted $20,000 bail
before being released.

The puppy was impounded by the Department of Animal Services and
was being treated for a broken jaw, two broken rear legs, and
numerous other injuries.

The ACTF is made up of Los Angeles police officers and detectives,
Animal Service officers from the Department of Animal Services and
Deputy City Attorneys from the LA City Attorney’s Office.

Anyone interested in fostering an animal is encouraged to go to
www.LAANIMALSERVICES.com for
more information.

Reports of animal cruelty can be reported to the ACTF at
213-847-1417. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll
free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL
(529-3855).