Puppy (Mooie) burned
October 10, 2006
If you read our website frequently, then you know that we never show you graphic photos. But this time, we must. You must be MADE to be as incensed as we are to propel you to ACT to seek justice for this little girl.
Read original story here (Seattle Times, 2006).
The Federal Way Police Department (Washington State), under whose jurisdiction this case fell, first passed off the case to King County Animal Control. KCAC cremated the body, basically destroying all the evidence
Mooie, following euthanasia. The vets at Valley Animal Hospital in Auburn believed she suffered horribly and she would have needed skin grafts over 95% of her body. Letting her go was the most humane thing to do.
Our humane investigators have been on the scene for two days, trying to resurrect this case. When they found stained clothing and rags, allegedly left behind by the potential perpetrator of the crime, in his personal garbage can, our investigators called KCAC to retrieve the evidence (which they did). We next asked why no search warrant had been issued for the potential perpetrator’s home or yard? We were told that there was not “probable cause”.
We disagree. Although we cannot go into detail to assure that we are not causing damage to a criminal case suffice it to say, there is enough “probable cause” to conduct a search. In fact, it was widely reported in the news that
According to the veterinarian who euthanized Mooie, she was burned over nearly 98% of her body possibly using muriatic acid an acid used to clean concrete, and used for meth-amphetamine production [Editor's Note: Substance has now been identified as concentrated ammonia
The Chief of Police has told the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that they’ve passed this case to KCAC and it’s up to THEM to get the search warrant.
WHEN WILL PASSING THE BUCK END?
It’s imperative that police, KCAC, or WHICHEVER ENTITY TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS CASE see what’s in the cupboards, under the bed, in the drain, in the backyard of this house. This is not only a Felony animal cruelty case but it’s also a potential felony drug case, as well.
The puppy desperately tried to lick the acid off its own fur, burning the inside of her mouth
Enough screw-ups
First KCAC cremated the body. (KCAC told Dr. Engstrom, the vet who examined and euthanized Mooie, that they would perform a necropsy on her. They never did. Dr. Engrstrom is furious. And so are we.)
Now, the Federal Way P.D. is “assuming” there is no evidence because someone let them inside for an interview? Only moments ago our Humane Investigator was told that “even if they found evidence of this chemical it wouldn’t prove anything”.
Larry Brothers and Mark Steinway, Pasado's Safe Haven Humane Investigators, talk with the vet and vet tech who examined and ultimately euthanized Mooie.
THIS is diligent police work?
Their response to Pasado’s:
When we ask the tough questions of the Federal Way P.D., their response to us is that “we’re taking on an adversarial position”. We never assume such a position until people aren’t doing their job.
Our deepest thanks to those who took off of work and used their lunch hour to blanket the area with our $10,000 Reward posters