Donate to help stop animal cruelty

- Below, please find the content of a recent press release by spcaLA - 

Man Pleads Guilty to Felony Animal Cruelty Charges

Dog, once at risk for death due to malnutrition, adopted by loving family  

Darian David Webb (DOB 02-02-1970) pleaded guilty in court case #BA465398 to one felony count of Penal Code 597(b), animal cruelty, for his part in the neglect of Bosco, a three-year-old Cane Corso in his care. The conviction is the result of an investigation by Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA).

Webb was sentenced to three years formal probation with three years of state prison suspended, 20 days of Cal Trans community service, a 16-session animal neglect class, 10-year prohibition on possessing, owning, or having custody of any animals per PC 597.9, search conditions, $400 fine, and restitution. The restitution hearing is set for October 31, 2018.

spcaLA Humane Officers responding to an animal cruelty tip on the 700 block of W. 59th Street in Los Angeles, CA, found a thin, but alert Bosco, with a mange-like skin condition. After Warnings of Violation were ignored, spcaLA and officers from LAPD 77th Division executed a search warrant and removed Bosco from the property.

Bosco was immediately taken to a veterinary hospital where he received medical care. Upon examination, Bosco’s recorded weight was approximately 105 pounds. An ideal weight for his age and breed would be between 125-147 pounds. The veterinarian concluded that Bosco “suffered and is in pain due to his lack of adequate medical care, husbandry, and provision of his daily needs” and that his condition was due to chronic neglect.” Furthermore, “if Bosco’s level of neglect continued, he would have been at a high risk of death as a result of malnutrition.”

During the last year with spcaLA, Bosco received medical care that addressed his skin condition and malnutrition, and extensive one-on-one training with the spcaLA Animal Behavior and Training Department.

Earlier this month, a loving family adopted Bosco. According to Sara Taylor CPDT-KA, Director of spcaLA Animal Behavior and Training Department, the adopting family is a perfect fit for Bosco: “They have always rescued large breed dogs, use positive reinforcement training methods, and are sensitive to the dog’s temperament and needs.”

spcaLA is the only private animal welfare organization in Los Angeles that is also Law Enforcement. spcaLA Humane Officers hold the same powers of Peace Officers in the state of California when investigating animal cruelty. spcaLA is a non-profit agency that relies on donations for its programs and services, including animal cruelty investigations. 

All over the city, animal welfare agencies and organizations are sounding the alarm: the kittens are coming. They’re coming in litters, as singletons, with and without mamas. But, back in March at the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center in Hawthorne, an unweaned 2 week-old kitten arrived in a startling and heartbreaking way – left abandoned outside in the shelter’s mailbox.

Abandoning an animal is a crime and very cruel - the kitten could have easily died inside the mailbox. Luckily, a shelter staff member heard mewing and searched for the source, which led her outside of the building and into the mailbox. It was touch and go at first, but Mailbox Kitty, or Brett, received immediate veterinary care. He was fostered by an spcaLA volunteer who bottle-fed and cared for him. 

With your support, spcaLA found Brett a home just last week.  This summer, we will help hundreds of cats and kittens, just like him, thanks to your support.

For more information about donating, becoming a foster volunteer, or adoption locations, please visit us online.  You can also learn more about our "Kitten Shower," wherein we're raising funds and needed items, like kitten food, milk replacer, small litter boxes, and non-clumping litter.

Thank you!

Links:

• Volunteer at spcaLA