Police K-9 Struck By Officer Chasing Suspect In Virginia Dies, Officials Say
A Virginia police K-9 was killed in the line of duty while chasing a fleeing suspect who remains on the run, authorities said.
K-9 Knox, a 3-year-old German Shepherd with the Roanoke Police Department, died early Friday morning, April 18, after being struck by a police vehicle during a foot pursuit on Vermont Avenue NW, officials said.
The chaos began around 1:40 a.m., when officers spotted a stolen car at a gas station in the 3900 block of Melrose Avenue NW, according to Roanoke Police.
The driver refused to stop, sparking a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle broke down in the 420…
Filth, Feces, Freezers: 35+ Animals Found In Squalid Sterling Home In Cruelty Case
More than 20 dogs, a goat, a mini horse, and other malnourished animals were rescued from a filthy Connecticut home, authorities said.
Kelly Desnoyers, 56, was charged with 35 counts of animal cruelty. Nicole Desnoyers, 22, also of Sterling, faces 40 counts, according to the Connecticut State Police.
Police responded on Feb. 13 after a concerned resident requested a welfare check, believing the Desnoyers were hoarding animals. When troopers arrived, they could see and hear numerous dogs inside the house, whimpering and yelping in distress, police said.
As they approached, the overwhelming …
Vandals Break Into Virginia Zoo, Trash Exhibits, Terrify Animals With Joyride (Video)
A pack of late-night vandals broke into a Northern Virginia zoo, damaged animal enclosures, and took work vehicles for a joyride — all while terrifying the animals, officials said.
The chaos unfolded overnight on Tuesday, April 15, at the NOVA Wild Zoo, a popular family destination in Fairfax County.
According to zoo management, several people forced their way into the park, caused damage to multiple exhibits, and even got into the capybara enclosure. The intruders then took work vehicles and rode recklessly through the property.
Staff returned to find the aftermath — broken fencing, trash…
Officer Otto Cruz, York County's Humane Hero, Dies At 47; SPCA Closes To Mourn
A beloved protector of animals and voice for the voiceless has died. Humane Society Police Officer Otoniel “Otto” Cruz passed away on Saturday, April 12, the York County SPCA announced.
The shelter closed to the public on Monday, April 15 and Tuesday, April 16, as staff mourned the loss of their cherished colleague.
Otto Cruz, 47, of York, was more than an officer—he was a bridge-builder, an advocate, and a father. Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Cruz became a police officer at just 18 years old. He served for a decade before relocating to Pennsylvania, where he continued his mission …
2 Neglected Dogs Found Abandoned In Carmel Parking Lots: Woman, 55, Charged, SPCA Says
A 55-year-old woman is facing animal cruelty and abandonment charges after two severely neglected dogs were found separately in Putnam County parking lots earlier this week, authorities said.
The investigation began on Tuesday evening, April 8, around 8:54 p.m., when authorities were called to the parking lot of Saint James the Apostle Church in Carmel. There, good Samaritans discovered a severely emaciated male pit bull mix wandering alone, the Putnam SPCA announced on Saturday, April 12.
The dog, later identified as “Milo,” was immediately rushed to Guardian Veterinary Specialists f…