By J. Brian Ewing
Greensboro News & Record
EDEN, NC — After several alarming cases of animal cruelty, Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page is making it clear such behavior will not be tolerated.
“In the past few weeks, we have found a dog with acid poured on him, dogs poisoned with antifreeze, a dog beaten to death with a ball bat while the animal was tied out, and dogs shot to death,” Page said in a news release on Wednesday .
“These wicked behaviors are morally unacceptable, and they are illegal. Investigating these type cases is most difficult, but we will continue to seek those responsible for these cowardly acts.”
Earlier this month, a dog was found with an 18-inch- long acid burn along its back in Madison. The dog, named Zep, belongs to a 74-year-old man . Last week, a Chihuahua was found shot in Madison and died before the owner could get medical attention. No charges have been filed in either case.
Animal concerns are common, almost daily for the sheriff’s office, according to officials, but the recent spate of cases has reached new levels of cruelty.
Recent changes to state law increased the penalty that a person can face if convicted of killing or torturing an animal. The changes are known as Susie’s Law, named for the pit-bull-mix puppy who was burned, beaten and left for dead by a Greensboro man who received probation rather than jail time.
Officials said pet owners also need to be more vigilant about complying with county ordinances, which include keeping animals well-cared for and on their property or leashed.
Page is asking anyone with information about cases of animal cruelty to call the sheriff’s office at 634-3232 or Crime Stoppers at 349-9683.
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