FAQ didnt help with animal cruelty issue... NEED HELP

[mitch higgins]

I left my 9 month old dachshund at home penned off in my kitchen, and came back 6 hours later where my two roommates had obviously been drinking and being rowdy. I then went to find my dog in the kitchen and she unable to move her back legs and had urinated on herself. I confronted both of them and both say "they have no idea what happened".

I then took her to an emergency vet and found that her left leg was dislocated and fractured, and her right pelvis was cracked in three places.

The doctor then reinforced my thoughts she was injured by one of my roommates when he explained there was sudden trauma involved to get injuries of this extent and also showed increased white blood cells and liver enzymes.

So with all this information I want to press charges, sue, or do whatever I can for this cruelty committed to my dog.

I do not know if that is feasible with the information I have, or how to do it.

If someone could direct me on what to do I would be very appreciative.

[Lyssa]

Wow, so sorry to hear this. But first do what Fawn said and confront them. Don't use a threatening tone but just ask because you are worried about your dog.

Also, find new roommates asap. If they are going to hurt a dog, drunk or not, they have no reason to be near ANY animal or child for that matter.

[Belles]

Mitch, I wished I had your two roommates and my German Shepherd was left behind with them.. the only blood in that kitchen would have been theirs.

You can file a small claim for the vet costs, but unless you really know what happened you may not have a chance and it's hard to file criminal charges without any evidence. That is, of course, unless you can get one roommate to "turn" on the other and confess.

They are your roommates.. do you think it was cruelty or do you think it was an accident of some sort and they are too ashamed to confess.

[mitch higgins]

Its a very difficult situation, and I dont know if it was an accident, or hands down cruelty but I just wanted something to be done for my dog. Without any evidence it isnt possible. But I left, and then came home to my dog injured like that and my roomates were the only ones there...

[Belles]

Yes, common sense does apply here, but in a criminal court matter, they will need more than circumstantial evidence. HOWEVER, in a civil suit judgement is given based on a preponderance of the evidence.. so, if you are able to build a strong enough case.. i.e., you left and came back.. they were the only ones there when you left, no one else came in when you were gone and they were still there when you returned... and the dog was injured. Then you can have a chance.

In a small claim, you represent yourself, and the filing fee is very affordable. They have to appear in court to give their side and the judge makes the final decision. If you lose, big deal.. you're not out alot of money. But if you win, they have to at least pay your expenses.

I would go for a small claim.. at least it will make them nervous and who knows, you may get your confession. If you tell them you're suing.. they may also offer you an alternative and volunteer to pay the costs.

I'm disgusted that if it was just an accident, things do happen and they need to man up to what they did. That's sickening.

Go get justice for your baby.

[mitch higgins]

Thank you for all the information, Ill be looking into it further.

[Kathi Reid]

I agree with Belles. Do what you need to do to help your pup. Is she going to be okay? There is really no excuse for what has happened to her, but I certainly would never leave her alone with them again. Let us know how things turn out for you and her, try to find new roomates if possible. Since we don't know your circumstances that may not be possible, but I wish you the best and your baby also.

[mitch higgins]

She is currently in the vet hospital still, and will need to be immobilized and crated for 6-8 weeks. But the doctor is optimistic, and she will never be any where near them again. She will be at a friends house until I move. So everything I can do, is being done.

[Strega]

Mitch,

In my opinion, for whatever that is worth, let's not kid ourselves here- your roomates are responsible for this. Period. Now, I am no vet, but it seems to me that it would be very difficult for these injuries to have happened by accident while the dog was in your home, and no one know what happened. (I mean, if an armoire fell on the dog or something, maybe that was an accident, but then someone would certainly know about it, yes?) Therefore, it appears that this was intentional.
As far as criminal charges go, most states have laws against intentional infliction of harm to an animal (how diligently they are enforced is an entirely different matter). Have you called the authorities? I might suggest you do that- as soon as possible. And, it is up to the prosecuting authority as to whether there is enough to follow through with the charges, and, if so, to form a case against your roommates. Don't worry about 'circumstantial' v. physical evidence- that is their job. If they say there is not enough- fine. Just file the complaint. It will be on record. If nothing comes of it, then nothing comes of it- you are out nothing and only have to gain from calling the police.
And besides, if you do end up filing a civil complaint, the fact that you called the authorities won't hurt your case (but not calling them could as far as credibility).
Also, if you file a complaint with the police, it will be a record, and if these two jackasses ever are accused of something like this in the future........
See what I am saying?

[Belles]

Strega, glad you were here to comment on this. THank you!!! Strega knows what she's talking about Mitch.. you can count on her advice to be reliable!

[Strega]

As always, belles, I thank you for your kind words.

[Belles]

I value you not only for your background, but as a dear friend. Your advice is always precise and accurate. It's refreshing here!

[Belles]

Mitch... holy cow. That's a long time. I hope you are able to spend time with her and help her through this. Poor baby.

My dog had three facial reconstructive surgeries and spent 2 months in a vet hospital. He wasn't ours at the time, but had been abused and rescued.. but I visited him several times during his recovery even though we drove almost an hour each way.. he was going crazy in there.

He loved our visits with toys, treats and just human interaction. It will be time well spent and her healing will be much better with a good mental outlook.

Please.. post pics so we can see her! Best wishes to you and your little one, my friend. I'm so sorry - I really hope you get these people. I can't imagine facing them each and every day. I'm so sorry for you too!