Los Angeles: A 22-year-old Encino man is under arrest for suspicion of animal cruelty.
On February 18, 2008, at around 2:30 p.m., officers from the City of Los Angeles' Animal Cruelty Task Force (ACTF) were called to investigate a case of animal cruelty in the 6400 block of Bertrand Avenue, Encino.
West Valley patrol officers had originally responded to the location to check on the welfare of a resident there after receiving information that he was despondent over a break up with his girlfriend and had threatened to harm a small puppy. The person reporting the incident had audiotape of the suspect claiming he was harming the dog and it could be heard yelping in pain.
After entering the residence and detaining the suspect, Steven William Butcher, officers located a Pitbull puppy in the laundry room sink. The injured puppy was lying under a running faucet and was drenched in cold running water.
Butcher was arrested for Cruelty to Animals and posted $20,000 bail before being released.
The puppy was impounded by the Department of Animal Services and was being treated for a broken jaw, two broken rear legs, and numerous other injuries.
The ACTF is made up of Los Angeles police officers and detectives, Animal Service officers from the Department of Animal Services and Deputy City Attorneys from the LA City Attorney's Office.
Anyone interested in fostering an animal is encouraged to go to www.LAANIMALSERVICES.com for more information.
Reports of animal cruelty can be reported to the ACTF at 213-847-1417. After hours and on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAW-FULL (529-3855).
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