Return to Article List | Submit an Article
Abuse
 |
LOS ANGELES -- A known gang member convicted of abusing his dog was the first felony case prosecuted with the help of a new animal cruelty task force formed this summer, city officials said Tuesday.
Aaron Jones, 26, of Los Angeles, was convicted last month of tying his dog's tail in a knot, dousing her with scalding hot water and assaulting her repeatedly with a Taser gun. He is serving a three-year sentence.
"The correlation between animal cruelty and violent crime against persons is clear," Police Chief William Bratton said at a news conference announcing the conviction. "Some of the most notorious serial killers began their sprees by torturing and killing animals. We can reduce violent crime against persons by reducing violent crime against animals."
The Animal Cruelty Task Force includes police detectives, animal control officers and a member of the City Attorney's Office.
Between July and October, the task force saved 14 dogs and helped with eight illegal dog-fighting investigations, officials said.
"Los Angeles is putting a leash on animal cruelty," said Councilman Tony Cardenas, who persuaded his colleagues on the City Council to create the task force earlier this year.
Excluding Jones, felony cases were filed against four other defendants as a result of the task force action, officials said.
Staff have seized 180 fighting chickens -- 80 in one location alone, along with cockfighting gear. Several investigations are continuing, officials said.
The telephone hot line to report animal cruelty is (213) 847-1417.