This story is disturbing on so many levels. Not only is the act itself horrific, but the ages of the children involved is frightening to me.

The fact that children could commit this crime without feeling or remorse shows there is something very wrong in our society.

Newbold, Rochdale (UK): A gang of youths had seized the seven-week-old brother and sister and were slowly roasting them over a bonfire on a canal bank.

Yelping in panic and distress as their fur began to burn, the pair struggled desperately to escape the children’s clutches.

The commotion attracted a walker who ran over to the bonfire and ordered the gang to release them immediately.

Melanie Johnson, 32, said: ‘I just could not believe the cruelty being shown by these kids. If I hadn’t turned up, I think they would have burned the dogs alive.’

Miss Johnson, from Rochdale, added: ‘Most of the kids were aged 12, 13 or older. But some were as young as ten. I was ripping mad and still am to think that anyone – least of all children – could do this.’

She took the two puppies from the bank and carried them to the safety of her home before wrapping them in a towel and taking them to an RSPCA shelter.

The puppies are doing fine and will soon be put up for adoption.  No arrests have been made in connection to this crime. I hope the Greater Manchester Police don’t just dismiss this as kids being kids, this is a despicable act and those children need to be punished accordingly.

Yesterday I did a post on starting a Neighborhood Watch Program, and getting a free kit to start one. I mentioned it would be a great aid for teachers,  helping to give children a better understanding how animals should be treated and how to interact with them.

This vicious act reinforces my feelings even more, children that abuse and torture animals turn into adults who do the same. That should be enough to scare anyone into action, change starts with you, take time to make a difference.

* Picture courtesy Manchester Evening News Syndication

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere:

I am very sorry to get this posting up so late, unfortunately I just received it.  There is still time to send emails or call to show your support.

ACTION ALERT: Victor Rodriquez is up for parole January 28th – your help is needed!

Victor Rodriquez, the youth convicted of extortion in the Edna animal cruelty case, could be allowed to walk the streets again.

Edna needs us now more then ever. The Judge’s have been fabulous and we need to write them and let them know how much we appreciate their handling of this case, but we also need to politely remind them that we STILL have no information on Edna and Victor should not be allowed to leave juvenile hall.

There was no body found and Victor Rodriguez continues to state his innocence where Edna is concerned. Victor, therefor, was not charged with animal cruelty. Bill Whiting maintains that the night he received those dreadful life changing phone calls, he spoke to at LEAST three individuals — where are the other two? And most importantly, where is Edna? Why should Victor be allowed to walk the streets so soon after he allegedly kidnapped a dog and then attempted to extort her guardian?

TOO MANY questions remain unanswered and Victor has not even spent a year in juvenile hall.

Please politely ask the Judge’s to continue to pursue the truth behind Edna’s disappearance and to keep Victor locked up. We need to let them know that the public will not let this go. We will not stop our fight – we will continue fighting until their is Justice for Edna! Judge Rebstock was very sympathetic to Bill Whiting and Edna so please be sure to be polite and kindly ask him not to let Victor go!

Please write letters to both of the Judge’s and fax them to the numbers listed below:

Judge Dougherty (Administrative Judge Family Court Division)
Family Court Building
1801 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Fax: 215-686-4157

Judge Rebstock (Rodriquez trial Judge)
Family Court Building
1801 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Fax: 215-686-4229

Please remember to be polite and respectful! Nice, well written letters, often receive more attention and are taken more seriously. SEND LETTERS NOW — there is not much time!

Click here to learn more about the link between violence to animals and violent acts committed against people. Acts of cruelty and violence should NOT be tolerated.

If you are in Philadelphia on the 28th, feel free to bring signs and hold a peaceful protest in front of the Family Court Building.

For more information:

- Teen in dog-extortion case sentenced to juvenile hall
- Victor Rodriguez found guilty
- 3 days till trial for Victor Rodriguez – Keep writing letters for Edna

You can visit Bill and Edna at their Dogster page, show them some love and support.

Share this entry with your pawple anywhere: