Police arrest suspect who cruelly tied a rock to a dog and threw him in the river
Animal abuse is a horrible thing. Anyone who knowingly abuses or neglects an animal deserves to be punished to the full extent of the law. One woman was witness to a horrendous act of violence against a dog. The dog was spotted by the woman struggling to survive in the river, a large rock in a carrier bag tied around her head. Fortunately, the woman was able to drag the dog to safety.
Rescued from the river
The Belgian shepherd was taken to a local veterinarian by police where she was treated. Once there, it was discovered that she had a registered microchip and was named Bella. Soon after the incident, police appealed to the public for help in finding the person, or persons, responsible for the terrible crime.
The police post about the incident
The Nottinghamshire Police posted about the incident on their Facebook page:
“This was an evil and nasty thing to do to this poor dog and we are making every effort to find out who is responsible. We are lucky that the kind member of the public found and rescued her.
“If anyone has dash-cam or CCTV footage of vehicles in Long Lane that may show who was in the area at the time that would be really helpful.
“We are working with the RSPCA and are conducting microchip inquiries. Her name was recorded in 2010 as Bella on her microchip but it is possible, she may be known by another name if her owner has changed since then. If anyone recognizes her and knows who owns her please get in touch on 101, quoting incident number 103 of 6 January 2020.”
An update on the case
News soon followed that an arrest had been made regarding the case of animal cruelty. The police were quick to post on their Facebook page once again detailing the arrest and asking members of the public who had any information on the case to please come forward.
“Whilst we have made an arrest we are still appealing for information about the circumstances of the incident, including how many people were involved. We are lucky that the kind member of the public found and rescued her.
Whilst the dog is still quite poorly, she has been showing some encouraging signs by eating so hopefully she will be on the mend. If you saw anything, or have CCTV or dash-cam footage in the area, please get in touch on 101, quoting incident number 103 of 6 January 2020.”
An arrest is made
The person arrested was a 31-year old woman on suspicion of animal cruelty. The police also posted a warning to the public not to post anything that they know about the investigation online. This could result in the person being charged with contempt of court and face legal action and fines.
What to do if you see someone abusing or neglecting an animal
If you see a person abusing or neglecting an animal, you need to take some important steps before calling the police, unless the animal is in danger. Start by writing down the type of abuse, and where and when you saw the abuse. You should also get any photos or video to give to the police of the abuse or neglect. You should also provide the name of the owner of the pet if you know it.
Once you have the information, call the police or local animal control agency. Whatever you do, do not enter private property to help the animal. Only intervene if you think it is safe to do so and make sure to avoid any physical confrontation with the abuser. Here is a video of Bella following her rescue and treatment.
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