| spcaLA investigation leads to felony animal cruelty charge
A Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) investigation and supporting evidence led to a felony animal cruelty charge filed against Terrance Hawkins of Los Angeles, after he allegedly threw his girlfriend’s dog out of a fifth story window during an argument. Bizzie, the beloved American Eskimo dog of Hawkins’ girlfriend, succumbed to his injuries and perished after 12 days in intensive veterinary care. Hawkins is currently in police custody for three domestic violence charges, one probation violation and one felony count of animal cruelty. The animal cruelty charge alone could put Hawkins in prison for up to three years with a fine up to $20,000. “Where domestic violence is present, animal cruelty and child abuse can usually be found – we call it ‘The Link,’” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein. “The cycle of violence continues until it is broken by law enforcement, education or other intervention.”
spcaLA offers the Animal Safety Net (ASN)™ program which provides free boarding and veterinary care for the animals of domestic violence victims at an undisclosed location, so they may flee a dangerous situation without fear for the safety of their pets. Case workers and victims can call 888-527-7722 for more information about ASN. spcaLA also offers internationally recognized violence-prevention programs – like Teaching Love and Compassion(TLC)™ for at-risk youth and jTLC™, a court-mandated condition of probation for some juvenile offenders. spcaLA’s Humane Education initiatives are aimed at breaking the cycle of violence and restoring empathy where it is lacking. For more information about the Link, Teaching Love and Compassion (TLC)™ or Animal Safety Net (ASN)™ visit www.spcaLA.com. Humane Officers responded to an anonymous tip from the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tip Line. To report animal cruelty, call the spcaLA Animal Cruelty Tip Line at 1-800-540-SPCA (7722) or report online at www.spcaLA.com. |