As Grand Jury Indicts YouTube Dog Torturer, Animal Crimes Team Recognized for Prompt Action in Rescuing Animals
For Immediate Release:
March 27, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Chicago -- Just one day after a grand jury indicted 22-year-old Joshua Moore on five felony counts of animal torture, five felony counts of aggravated cruelty, and one count of depicting animal torture, arising from videos that Moore posted on YouTube showing himself and a 13-year-old torturing dogs and puppies, PETA has presented its Hero to Animals Award to the Chicago Police Department's Animal Crimes Team. The teenage boy was charged as a juvenile with six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and three counts of animal torture. Earlier this month, a total of 10 dogs, including five puppies, were seized and taken to Chicago's Animal Care and Control. The arrests were the result of a multi-agency effort, which reached into Fort Wayne, Ind., where Moore had been staying. A tipster provided PETA with information about the videos, which PETA preserved and, in turn, passed on to the authorities.
"By taking swift action, the Chicago Police likely stopped these two perpetrators from carrying out even more violent acts," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "Chicagoans can be proud to have a police force that acts with resolve to protect those who can't protect themselves. Chicago's animal 'A-Team' sets a great example that cruelty to even the smallest individual will not be tolerated."
In the videos, Moore and the teenager are seen hanging and spinning a dog by a leash, applying and ripping duct tape off a dog's testicles, and biting the neck of a dog until he cries. The pair is also shown hiding a mother dog's five puppies and watching as she frantically searches for them, repeatedly throwing the mother dog in the air, and trying to force a dog to eat feces.
According to leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals, including humans. Many of the most notorious serial killers started out by torturing and killing animals.
The Animal Crimes Team will receive framed certificates, a letter of appreciation, and a gift basket of sweets from Allison's Gourmet. For more information, please visit PETA.org.