Hunter kills cancer patient’s new puppy
Hunter kills cancer patient’s new puppy
Joanne Hatherly, Canwest News Service
A puppy bought to lift the spirits of a boy who fought a deadly brain cancer was shot and killed by a man who police say has a criminal record.
Nick Rose, 44, said his son Max, 12, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour when he was seven, the effects of which he still feels today.
“He had to learn how to breathe, how to walk again. He suffered much. The sad part is, this puppy was a replacement for a dog he lost during treatment,” Rose said. “This was a particularly sweet puppy.”
Rose and Max were working on their firewood pile on Saturday, while Max’s Jack Russell terrier puppy, Seymour, played in the front yard, when two men in hunting vests and carrying shotguns walked past their property.
The puppy approached the two men. Rose said he recognized one as a man who had invaded his home during his birthday party four years earlier, assaulting Rose and several of his guests.
Rose called the puppy, but did not leave his property to retrieve the dog. “I didn’t want to be dealing with this person,” said. “I was afraid.”
The puppy followed the men, who continued walking a short distance until brush blocked them from Rose’s sight. Then Rose and his son heard a single gunshot. The family rushed to the roadside only 30 feet (nine metres) away.
“I ran around the bush to find, to my horror and shock, our 16-week-old terrier, he was quivering in death throes and his head partly blown off,” Rose said. “My children were screaming and crying. My daughter threw up. It was horrible.”
Rose shouted at the men, who fled to a nearby residence owned by the parents of one of them.
Calls to that residence were not returned.
Both men later left Quadra Island. The second man has not been identified.
Quadra Island RCMP Cpl. Craig Peterson confirmed one of the men, the alleged shooter, phoned him, but had not turned himself in.
“He was aware we were looking for him,” Peterson said. He also confirmed the man has a criminal record.
RCMP said they were issuing an arrest warrant for the suspect, who lives in Greater Victoria. They were not releasing his name, pending a request to Crown counsel for a charge of dangerous use of a firearm and endangering an animal.
RCMP said the area where the shooting took place is partially wooded, but it is in a residential district.
RCMP said they confiscated more than 20 firearms in connection with the investigation. Peterson said all the weapons were legal and all were hunting guns. He would not say from where the firearms were taken.
However, Rose said the weapons were taken from the property of the alleged shooter’s parents.
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P.S. I for one would like to do something not sooo kind to Mr Hunter..
Unfortunately little may happen to this man.
The worst he’ll get is a little slap on the wrist.
Yet again our pathetic, non-existent animal laws come into force.
I’ll follow this case, and keep you updated as to what happens with this poor excuse for a human being.
Dr Andrew
P.P.S. Feel free to comment…
I cannot say what I am thinking,but I would like to get ahold of these jerks myself.They are low down cowards!!I would never hurt another human being,but then again,these idiots are not human beings!!So I would have no problem in dealing with them.It just makes me sick that there are sick people like this.And unfortunately there are more just like these two jerks.They may get away with it here on earth,but GOD will deal with these idiots and the ones just like them.There will be no hiding then!!!
What happened to Seymour was truly heartbreaking, and no family should have to go through something like that. We just hope there is accountability and that cases like this help push for stronger protection for our animals. They deserve so much better.
I’m so sorry for the boy and his family. I feel that they should punish the man the same way he punished the dog. When I read the story I cried and could not believe that someone would do this to a dog. I live in Texas and we do have strict laws on cruelty to animals. Keep us informed on what happens to that maggot. Love & Prayers Martha
Our hearts break for Max and his family too. We truly hope justice is served, and we will absolutely keep everyone updated as this case unfolds. Sending love and prayers to the family, and a big hug to everyone who is hurting over little Seymour.
As far as I am concerned, harming a pet is the same as harming a baby….both are defenseless creatures. He SHOULD be prosecuted to the fullest, but, as you have stated, we do live in Canada…and our laws are made for the CRIMINALS, not the VICTIMS!
It is heartbreaking, especially knowing this puppy meant so much to that family. Pets deserve protection, and we hope cases like this lead to stronger animal welfare laws and real accountability.
Dear Dr. Jones,
This story is truly tragic, actually, unbelievable. I have long believed that people should be punished in the same manner that their crime was committed. So, lets take a stroll down the street this perp lives on and just casually walk by him and shoot him in the head, leave him there “quivering in death throes”. Seems fair to me, “eye for an eye” one might say. Unfortunately, no punshment will undo the emotional damage that family is suffering. My prayers go out to them. MGH
It is hard to read a story like this without feeling deeply for Max and his family. Our thoughts are with them, and we hope this case reminds everyone why stronger protection for animals and accountability for cruelty are so important.
It is sad that this sorry individual will never have the capacity to understand the magnitude of what he has done because he is a worthless piece of human flesh. Would seem only fair, you know, an eye for an eye, if the same thing happened to him, but I think he should suffer longer and harder than that sweet puppy did.
What happened to Seymour was heartbreaking and deeply upsetting. We just hope justice is served, because answering cruelty with more cruelty never helps. Our focus will always be on standing up for animals and pushing for stronger protection for them.
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals.”- Mahatma Gandhi
Every animal deserves kindness, compassion, and protection. Stories like this remind us why we need stronger animal welfare laws and why we should always speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Dr. Andrew Jones,
I agree that this hunter will not receive the punishment that he deserves. What is wrong with our society to allow animal abusers and killers to go free with just a slap on the wrist so that they feel free to hurt and kill animals again? Often these same people are or become people abusers too. What can we do to stop this abuse of helpless animals? How can we make penalties stiffer for these abusers? This case makes me really angry!
Lynn Ferguson
Animals deserve far better protection than they often receive. One of the best ways we can help is by speaking up, supporting stronger animal welfare laws, reporting abuse when we see it, and never letting these cases be forgotten. Every voice matters, and together we can keep pushing for change.
Dear Dr Andrew
This is a horrendous and particularly cruel case, but I firmly believe in karma & what goes around comes around. This sorry excuse for a human being will get what he deserves, if not in this life then in the next.
I work with many animals who have suffered greatly at the hands of people like this. Anger and the associated emotions that arise each time are wasted energy, and I try to turn that energy into positivity, love and caring for the animals who survive.
We cannot fight anger with anger (as the world proves time & time again) It is for people like us to redress the balance by pouring out more love and hope than they can produce anger & hate. As an animal communicator I have never met an animal that uses the language of hate, revenge or rage. Let us keep them as our role models.
You do a wonderful job. Take solace in the fact that you don’t perpetuate the negativity the planet is constantly bombarded with.
With love
Clare
Clare metcalf RSHom, MNCHM, Animal Communicator, Homeopath, Healer.
We really appreciate your thoughtful words and the compassion you bring to animals who have been through so much. You’re right, animals have an incredible way of showing forgiveness and living in the present. We can honor them best by continuing to stand up for them with kindness, compassion, and hope. Thank you for all that you do.
What comment can you make? It boggles the mind that such a creature wanders the earth disguised as a human. And that there is nothing that can be done to him due to lax laws and no interest is beyond the beyonds.
Civil action should be brought if penal law is not concerned. For the emotional suffering of the children and the trauma they experienced. Here in the USA we have that moronic Michael Vick and his “fighting pit bulls” quite an amusement for the likes of them-I suppose bear baiting has gone out of style.
It is a test of our humanity the manner in which we treat the least of us. The old, the ill, the animals who can’t fight back. There will be a day of reckoning one day and I can only hope that on that day God sends St. Francis to deal with those who torture animals. There is a special place in hell for them and their cronies.
Stories like this are heartbreaking, especially knowing the trauma it caused the family and the loss of an innocent puppy. We can only hope cases like this continue to raise awareness and lead to stronger protections for animals. They deserve kindness, compassion, and a voice.
Hi Andrew, I´m totally sickened with the story and would happily join you in doing something not sooo kind to the murderer. I feel so awful just thinking about the poor dog, AND the poor family..
I hate hunters generally (not that these two men are ‘just’ hunters, they are murderous psychopathic scum.. sorry to be so vociferous but I´m still reeling from reading the awful story)..
I live in the mountains of Spain in an isolated area and sometimes hear a gunshot and a blood curdling scream from a bird or animal, it isone thing I hate BIGTIME about this otherwise beautiful natural spot. I hope the cretins get what they deserve, I´m sure enough people think that they should, and can create a really public stink about it, drawing it into the media, like you have started to do. The media has a lot to offer sometimes in unexpected ways.. Good for you for drawing attention to it! I hope it´s all over the newspapers in the area as well…?
Your fan in Spain, Louisa
We really appreciate your kind words and your support all the way from Spain. It is heartbreaking for the family and for sweet Seymour. We are hoping this case helps bring more attention to the need for stronger protection for our animals. Thanks for standing with us.
This story makes me so sick. I can’t believe someone could do something so cold. I agree with Dr. Jones, I’d like to do something pretty bad to him too, but I guess that would make me just as horrible as this monster. This is why we need our laws changed. It’s obvious that if someone can care so little about an animal’s life, they probably could care less about human life as well. By the looks of it, his record says he should’ve been dealt with (legally) a long time ago..My heart goes out to the family.
We are heartbroken for Max and his family. No family should have to go through something so cruel. We also believe animals deserve stronger legal protection, and we hope cases like this continue to raise awareness and lead to meaningful change. Sending love to everyone who was affected.
I think this man deserves the same treatment that he gave this poor animal. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. I hope authorities take this matter seriously. If nothing of the animal, think about what this type of disregard for any life (human, feline or canine) will escalate to. What else does this man have to do and how much longer must people suffer– whether he’s invading homes or shooting animals. Come on!
We hope the authorities take it seriously and that the case is fully investigated. Acts of cruelty toward animals should never be dismissed, and strong enforcement of animal protection laws is important for both animal welfare and public safety. Our hearts are with Max and his family for such a heartbreaking loss.
I really can’t say what I would do to this man in mixed company. Sufice to say-there is a special place in Hell for these type of people and I would like to pay for the journey. To say he is criminal, is just so pitiful. I hope they will do more than slap his wrist.
What happened to Seymour was beyond cruel, and we hope this case is taken seriously. Our hearts are with Max and his family, who have already been through so much. Animals deserve better, and so do the people who love them.
Here in Australia we would throw the book at them, as we have a zero tolerances for that sort of behavior, both men when found, would be charged with possession of illegal firearms 2 years jail and fine for each weapon found, animal cruelty, which is a 2 or more year jail sentence and a $2000 fine, people have been imprisoned for 4 years and fined $50,000, just for not caring for horses properly, the RSPCA comes down pretty hard when they get involved with cases of animal cruelty. Discharging a firearm in a residential area another 2 years and a very large fine, as well as dangerous use of a firearm, malicious damage to livestock, that gets the government involved DNRE,(Department of Natural Environment and Resources) and you don’t want to mess with them, these guys will fine you $2000 for picking gum leaves in a state forest. Their gun licenses revoked and banned for life and passports canceled. All up these guys would get quite a lengthy sentence and a fine that large that they would be stripped of their assets just to pay it and if they can’t pay then the next of kin would.
Australia certainly takes animal cruelty seriously, and we wish every case was treated with that level of accountability. We all want to see animals protected and people held responsible when they intentionally cause harm. Seymour deserved so much better, and our hearts are still with Max and his family.
I have such a hard time believing that there are people in this world so sick, so disgusting, so low, that they would DO something like this. I am sickened beyond belief that a puppy, a small, innocent, helpless PUPPY could anger this “thing” (I won’t call him a human being because he is NOT) so much that he would shoot it in the head. My deepest sympathies to the family who lost their little friend. And to the children who had to see that. I hope someone gives that piece of **** what he deserves.
We just hope there is accountability and that this reminds everyone why stronger protection for animals matters. Seymour deserved so much better.
Hello back again. For anyone interested, please have a look into these websites.
RSPCA http://www.rspca.org.au if you care about animals please become a member.
DNRE also know as Department of Primary Industries
http://www.nre.vic.gov.au
I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard the police were waiting for this person to turn himself in. I was even more stunned to hear he did. Why anyone would want to kill a puppy is totally beyond me – what I would like to see happen to him is a lot more than the pathetic slap on the wrist he got. It seems to me the police look for the least possible charge they can find when it comes to animals, be it abuse or in this case killing.
It is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable. No family should have to go through something like that, especially after everything they had already endured. We can only hope cases like this lead to stronger protection for animals and real consequences for those who harm them. Our pets deserve so much better.
I wrote my comment before I had read any of the other comments, and after reading Clare’s response to this, I have to apologize for writing what I felt (with all emotions in tact) about this story before I put aside my own feelings and look beyond what happened to how I can help. Clare, what a beautiful response to such a horrendous story. You have made me think today, and I am now thinking of ways I can help, instead of ways to destroy.
It takes a lot to step back, reflect, and choose compassion over anger. We all feel the heartbreak and outrage, but turning those feelings into something positive for animals is how real change begins. We are grateful for thoughtful voices like yours that remind us there is always a better path forward.
The unfortunate thing is that we DO have laws in Canada that could leave a lasting impression on everyone who breaks the law. The problem is that our Judges seem to want to be the nice guy in their actions an levy a minimum penalty. Carless use of a firearm is a minimum offence but using a fireame in the commision of an offence is worth 10 years. Was he carless because he discharged the firearm at the dog or did he use the firearm to commit an offence – discharging a firearm unsafely on a public road? You decide which charge should be laid and which one he will be convicted of.
We agree the legal side is up to the courts, but from our perspective as veterinarians, what happened to that puppy is simply heartbreaking. We just hope the case was taken seriously and that it helped reinforce the importance of responsible firearm use and stronger protection for animals. Pets deserve to be safe, and families should never have to experience a tragedy like this.
What a truly sad story and I’m especially concerned that children had to be a witness. As hard as it is, outside of hoping the men are prosecuted for this crime, it is necessary to surrender and to learn. It does not help to retaliate and to hate no matter how tempting. Express those feelings privately and get the help you need to process through the feelings of hate. Someone this cruel is very sick in many ways. Life or God or karma — however you choose to label it — will take its course and teach cruel and sick people what they need to learn in order to grow into being a fully functioning member of society. The timing of when people like this will “learn their lesson” is out of our hands. The laws sometimes take awhile to catch up. There is no way getting around the ensuing anger and pain that arise from this kind of cruelty except to fully express it in a safe and supportive environment (possibly some therapy) and surround yourself with loving friends and family. Blessings to all affected.
Stories like this are heartbreaking, especially knowing children witnessed it. We hope there is accountability, and we also hope this family gets the support they need to heal. Seymour deserved so much better.
This made me so mad and sad when I read the story. Our animal laws are getting stronger in Arizona, USA but still not strong enough. A man the other day drowned several puppies that the mother dog just gave birth to instead of taking them to the humane society. However they did retrieve one puppy and the mother dog and took them to the humane society. Our county attorney didn’t want to prosecute since masically it wasn’t worth it and everyone was horrified but again nothing will happen.Same old story. I am sorry for the children and the lasting impression this will have with them.
Stories like this are heartbreaking, especially when children and innocent animals are caught in the middle. We are grateful the mother dog and one puppy were saved, but there is still so much work to do. We can only hope for stronger animal protection laws and accountability, because every animal deserves compassion and a chance at a safe life.
with the way everything had unraveled it’s like there is not a single animal rights law here.
Cases like this are heartbreaking, and far too often the consequences do not seem to match the harm done. We all hope to see stronger protections for animals and accountability when cruelty occurs. Every voice speaking up helps keep these issues in the spotlight.
I found this story horrifying and the only way i feel that anything can be done about this is to forward this e-mail to any organization that fights for the rights of animals. If people do not speak out about animal cruelty people like this man will continue to get away with, in my opinion criminal acts.
We all have a role in encouraging stronger protection for animals and helping make sure they are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Thank you for caring and for being willing to take action.
I read somewhere that future serial killers practice on animals first. Jail time, fines, and psych evaluation sound like good ideas to me. Can’t agree about making the next of kin pay the fines, unless they’re implicated in the shooting somehow. It’s a pity no one was around to defend the animal with their own gun. I’m always happy when a completely obvious and clearly guilty sicko is shot and killed. Law and morality aren’t always obvious, and we have the constraints of a civilized society regarding vengeance, but sometimes something is so clear cut that you wish the sicko had found a way to get himself killed in a hail of legal bullets.
Cases like this are heartbreaking and it is understandable that people feel angry when an innocent animal suffers. Our hope is that these cases are taken seriously, with meaningful consequences under the law, so both animals and communities are better protected. Seymour deserved so much better.
I ditto Clare’s response and pray that David Brown’s summary of Australia’s laws will eventually come to pass in Canada.
Animals deserve stronger protection, and cases like this remind us why better laws matter. Thank you for standing up for them and for sharing your support.
Its people like these two (& I use the term people loosely)that make it hard for me to read the news anymore. Its young men like this, who’ll turn out to be abusive parents & husbands. I’d love to spend a half hour alone with guys like this. AND the good news is.. They’ll end up in prison where (Yes)there are animal lovers, just like with parents who abuse kids going to prison with fathers, mothers, uncles.. OHHHH.. take my word for it.. these jerks lives are going to be hopping from cell block to cell block because they aren’t going to be safe, even in Prison…
Stories like this are heartbreaking, especially when an innocent puppy is the victim. Our hope is that justice is served and that cases like this remind everyone why stronger protections for animals matter. We will keep speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Sounds like it is wooded, remote area. Accidents happen. To the right people, sometimes.
It may have been a wooded area, but from what was reported, it was still a residential neighborhood. Accidents can happen, but this does not sound like one. We just hope there is accountability and better protection for pets and families.
I read this and all I can do is cry. What is wrong with our world? To kill a harmless puppy for the “fun” of it. Unreal 🙁
We cannot imagine the pain that family went through. No puppy deserves that, and we hope cases like this continue to remind people why stronger animal protection and compassion matter so much.
This is yet another very disturbing story in a long line of disturbing stories!! I don’t understand how people can be so heartless, but yet these people are very rarely charged and if they are it is nothing more than scolding….these people should be given the same treatment as the animals in my opinion but of course we can’t do that because it is unspeakeable; yet, people seem to think that these animals are deserving of this kind of behavior…..just disgusting!!
Stories like this are incredibly difficult to read. No animal deserves this kind of cruelty, and they deserve stronger protection under the law. We can only hope cases like this lead to real accountability and encourage more people to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
We are all so quick to Judge.
I suppose none of us has made a serious mistake in our past.
Judge ye not lest ye be judged.
As bad as the facts of this case might end up being, are we so self righteous proud that we are void of mercy?
Perhaps you now want to judge and convict me as well.
At the same time, when an innocent animal is intentionally harmed, it’s understandable that people feel heartbroken and upset. We can have compassion without losing sight of accountability. Our hope is always for kindness, responsibility, and better protection for animals.
well, I’ve read the story and all the responses, this is a tragic story yes, the trouble is, it’s just the one we heard about. There are many that we don’t hear about, it’s a well publicised opinion that people who torture animals are just a step away from torturing humans as well. They do it for fun and some sort of bizarre satisfaction that should be dealt with in a mental institution. This man/boy should be confined to a mental institution until he is oh say 65, then let him back into society, since what he really deserves is to be castrated by an australian sheep farmer (they do it differently than we do here, lol) and left on top of Ayres rock to dry out. But, Austrailia seems to be treating crimes like this better than Canada or the US does. Someday, our laws will be just, and will fit the crime. However, this has nothing to do with hunting, I know that many of you just got mad, but if you have ever seen hundreds of deer starving to death in the winter, you come to the realization that some could have died an instant death instead and helped feed someone in the process. Starvation is a horribly slow way for animals to die, or people for that matter. When handled properly, hunting seasons can improve the deer population and the health of the herd, when done improperly, it can decimate the herd. What we all (Canada, The US and Austrailia) need to severely increase punishment for offenders, with very special sentences for someone like this person who kills for fun. Unfortunately, here in the states, we have people in control who don’t mind shooting each other during hunting trips (that are so planned out that animals bred specifically for these people to hunt that they are released from cages in front of the hunters,) so they surely won’t object to killing someones pet. Especially if it can look like an “accident”.
We all need people in power who will at least consider making laws tougher instead of pandering to their largest contributors. Please vote in November, (if theres any place left to vote at) or whenever your country has it’s elections.
And thanks Doctor Andrew for all you do.
We agree that intentional animal cruelty deserves to be taken seriously, and it is very different from responsible hunting. We truly appreciate your support and your kind words.
This is an absolute outrage..and anyone who can forget about what this POS has done is as bad as the POS. Can you say John Wayne Gacey? How about Jeffrey Dahmer? If you don’t remember these names, do a search for them on the internet. Both of these individuals started out by torturing and killing animals and then escalated to their more publicized crimes. Society has to wake up and smell the coffee. If animal abusers were treated in the exact same manner as human abusers perhaps we wouldn’t have the types of crimes that everyone is so outraged over and trying to figure out what could have happened to turn the criminals into the sociopaths that they become.
Cruelty to animals should never be brushed aside. While not everyone who harms animals goes on to commit violent crimes, it is a serious warning sign that deserves attention and stronger consequences. Animals deserve better, and so do the people who love them.
Dear Dr. Andrew, not very long ago a similar incident took place here in my little town. This involved 80 puppies. You see it was a puppy mill on a farm right on the out skirts of town that no-one knew exisited, until the county came in and told the owners to treat the dogs for flea and fly bites. Well, instead of complying, the farmer shot all 80 of those puppies! Had any of us in town but known of this, I’m certain all those little lives would have been saved. Two nights later a vigil was held for those puppies. Now the farm is for sale and a man has lost his standing all because of casual stupidity. I shudder to think that if there is no remorse for this loss of life, then there is no remorse for any loss of life. But in the Yin to the Yang..we have you to help us on our journey to keep our pets healthy and happy. Thank You. ~Mo~
Our hearts break for those puppies and for everyone in your town who had to carry that loss. It is a painful reminder of why stronger protection for animals matters so much. We are grateful for your kind words, and together we can keep speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves while giving our pets the happy, healthy lives they deserve.
I just feel so terrible reading about that little boy and his dog being murdered. I think stronger punishment needs to be put into law, to protect all these little furry babies. People that hurt animals also hurt little children and adults too. I just feel in my heart that one day they will pay for what they have done,(what goes around,comes around) but I would like to see their punishment while here.
It is absolutely heartbreaking, especially knowing what that puppy meant to that family. We hope cases like this continue to raise awareness and lead to stronger protections for animals. They deserve kindness, safety, and a voice.
It breaks my heart as well as stokes the fire of fury in my soul when I hear or read of animal cruelty.
I have exploded into white-hot rage at news reports on tv or in our own local newspaper about animal cruelty cases. I too, have entertained very graphic imaginations of what I would do to these **!!#’s. After I settle down, I realize that people who do these things have deep problems. All cruelty has a beginning that started with something deliberately broken, scarred–even something within that person that was destroyed. The person who would be cruel to an animal would also commit cruelty against a child. Both are helpless and gives the perpetra-tor a sense of power and temporary “relief”.
Statistics show that many people who have a history of animal abuse also are child molestors. I personally know of such an example.
We must get to the heart of things and I believe it is important to teach the children about kindness, responsibility and even the important subject of spay and neuter.
If children understand what cruelty and irresponsiblity towards innocent pets and animals are, as well as what is appropriate, then future problems could be stopped. Perhaps even current problems a child might be going through might come out in the open through such education and that innocent one could be rescued before further damage is done to their heart, mind, soul and body!
Education and LAWS with painful penalties-financial and loss of freedom, are solutions.
I certainly feel badly for this family.
Personally, I hope the guy’s reputation gets around and another jailbird who happens to love kids and animals beats some retribution into him.
As someone once said to me, who worked with juvenile delinquents, “There are many reasons, but NO EXCUSES.” Tough love.
Stories like this are heartbreaking, and it is easy to react with anger. We also believe that real change comes from teaching kindness, compassion, and respect for animals from a young age, while making sure animal cruelty is taken seriously with meaningful consequences. Every pet deserves to be safe, loved, and protected.
This is so Horiible! I cannot imagine that cruelty like this happens to countries where animal welfare and protection is given High importance. Here in the Philippines, it is a difficult situation for us animal lovers to face
such situations.
I take this opportunity to ask authorities to give due punishment to the hunters who did that to the helpless and harmless puppy! How Dare you!
Back in the uncivilized days,when criminals where caught,punishments were imposed based on the crime committed. How I wish it could be the same for the Guy who did this to the poor puppy.
To the puppy, this is all I have to say “ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN” 🙂
It is heartbreaking, especially knowing this puppy meant so much to a young boy who had already been through so much. No animal deserves that kind of cruelty. We hope there is real accountability and stronger protection for animals everywhere. Seymour will always be remembered, and yes, all dogs go to heaven.
ARRRRGGHH! Will the cruelty & suffering of defenseless animals ever end?…I sure as hell hope so. It is a sad injustice that our system fails to reconize that any criminal act agaist the beautiful creature of this planet, be it wild or domestic is indeed a criminal act agaist humanity.
I say…GET WITH THE PROGRAM CANADA. We have the power to change the system, let us all do our part & give our animals the voices & protection they so deserve.
My heart felt condolences to the family for their tragic loss.
Animals deserve compassion and protection, and cases like this are heartbreaking for everyone involved. We all have a role to play by speaking up, supporting stronger animal welfare laws, and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Thank you for caring and for standing up for them.
In response to comment #30, Al. Certainly some of us have made a “serious mistake” before. Is that how you define shooting a helpless puppy in the head? God forbid you are ever part of the justice system. Mercy, you want mercy? Well Al, with an attitude like yours, you will probably end up in jail someday, and then Al, you will know what mercy is when you are someones b***h!
What happened to that puppy was heartbreaking and completely unacceptable. We can care deeply about animals and still believe that people should be held accountable through the justice system, not through more harm. Our focus is always on protecting animals and pushing for stronger animal welfare laws so tragedies like this are taken seriously.
When my daughter started having seizures all of our pets, two cats and two dogs, would spend the night in her bed. It made her feel more secure and my husband and I had no doubt that, if she had another seizure, our Shelties would let us know. To harm any animal is beyond my comprehension. Pets give so much to our lives. I feel sorry for someone who can never understand that joy.
They offer comfort, love, and an incredible sense of security. Stories like yours remind us just how special that bond really is. We are so glad your daughter had those amazing dogs and cats by her side.
OMG!!! That is SOOOOOOOOOOO SAD!! They should take his life for taking the life of one of God’s creatures! Heaven forbid!
We completely understand why people feel so strongly about this. Our hope is that the person responsible is held accountable and that cases like this lead to stronger protections for animals. Seymour deserved so much better.
This is one of the lowest things any human being can do to animals or their owners, when it is totally uncalled for. You can no more easily replace a pet than you can a human being, because just like humans all animals have different personalities and cute little things that only they can do. I feel really sorry for the family, especially for the little boy since he now must bear another terrible ordeal in life. Ohhh if only the laws where do onto others as you would have done unto yourself, I’d help my dog hold the gun and pull the trigger on that hunter but only to hit the target so he couldn’t breed another one like him (case of self defense since he’s killed one of her types needlessly).
Yes I’m a little irrate on the matter, but our paper just had the second case of a sanctioned on duty officer shoot and kill a pit bull (that had been out) in it’s back yard since that is the only area any blood was found. Less than a month ago a partial pit bull had been shot in the head in the city park because it was off leash which did survive, but the only person to fear it was an off duty college officer. And in this town they proudly stated in the paper (like idoits) they automatically kill any animal in the shelter that even looks like a bit bull.
This is all happening in Texas Martha, so we may have stricter animal cruetly laws but I have lacked to ever see them rarely enforced severely enough to prevent it. A couple of days ago outside Fort Worth a rancher had several of his cows and horses shot for no reason, then later that night someone came back and cut out some of their tongues. Hopefully the amount of money he put up will get those perps caught and hopefully they will get more than a slap on the wrist. When you don’t put any value on animals lives then your right next to not putting any value on human lives next.
At least the majority of us on this continent do value animal and human life, because while this is a sad story in other countries it’s kids being shot right in front of their parents or vise versa. Progress has been slow in this world when it comes to the value of life. Just from the time I have been keeping a tally on my cockers medical bills it’s up to $6,930 without it being a complete list on her or including the other animals I own. My car barely cost that much back in 93, so yes to some our animals are valueable.
Pets are family, and no one can simply replace the bond they share with us. We also hope cases like this are taken seriously and that animal cruelty laws are enforced in a way that truly protects animals. Thank you for caring so deeply and for standing up for them.
I can only say, I would LOVE to catch this guy out in the woods here in Kentucky (USA). I could hurt this man in so many different ways, he would be begging me to kill him. Buuuut, I think that death for him would be too easy. The poor little dog was only trying to be friendly and do the Jack Russell thing and get their scent and being inquizative. I have one and they are very ‘nosey’. They only check people out and aren’t mean. This oxygen wasting bastard don’t deserve to live, very long anyways. Just long enough to be tortured. He damn sure will not be welcome on the other side. He’s definately a LEFT DOOR candidate. There is no place in this world for his and Micheal Vick’s kind. They should be put on an island that is inhabited with wild dogs!
What happened to Seymour was truly devastating and there is no excuse for that kind of cruelty. At the same time, we hope justice is served through the legal system. Seymour deserved kindness, and stories like this remind us why we will always keep speaking up for animals and pushing for stronger protection for them.
A number of years ago, I had a white female cat who had a white male kitten that she was very proud of. She didn’t breed very well; it was the only kitten that she had ever successfully raised. Anyway, he was plump and healthy and she was very proud of him. I had some other kittens and they followed me and my dogs when we went out for a walk in the bush. Some of the cats didn’t come back so I went to look for them out in the bush and I found this kitten hanging by his hind leg on a branch of a tree and a hole in his head where some hunters had shot him. Needless to say, I was sad and angry about it. White cats are kind of special. One time I was talking to a lady and I mentioned that my cats had kittens and, as soon as I mentioned that one of them was white, she said, “Can I have it?”
It is very sad to hear about the puppy.One thing I know is that in the Bible it says, “Veangeance is mine, saith the Lord. I will repay.” and that getting veangeance on the wicked is God’s job and also the Bible says that not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing and of how much more value is a dog? (Actually, it says how much more value is a human- I substituted “dog”.)
We are so sorry you went through that. Losing a pet in such a cruel way is heartbreaking, and it is easy to understand why it has stayed with you all these years. We appreciate your reminder about choosing compassion over revenge. We can only hope for justice, while continuing to be a voice for kindness and better protection for animals.
I forgot to mention in my previous comment that the mother cat was very upset when she couldn’t find her son. She was looking for him and meowing and very upset so it shows that cats have feelings.
Cats form strong social bonds and they can grieve when a family member goes missing. A mother cat calling, searching, and seeming distressed is a real sign of that bond. Stories like this remind us that our pets feel far more than many people realize, and they deserve our compassion and kindness.
I also forgot to mention that the brother of the slain white male kitten, who was a grey tabby, and a littermate (She had two kittens.) was trying to console his mother.
We often see animals comfort each other after a loss, especially close family members. It is a touching reminder of the strong bonds they share. Thank you for sharing that with us.
How sad.
The parents of the cancer survivor whose puppy was killed should sue the b**tard for causing mental anguish to their family, in particular their son.
And individuals who are so sick as to abuse/kill a friendly, harmless pet or other domestic animal should not be allowed to possess firearms, I don’t care what for.
That little puppy meant so much to a family who had already been through so much. We can only hope that cases like this help bring more awareness, compassion, and better protection for animals. Our pets are family, and they deserve kindness and respect.
There are obviously two sides to every story…I can’t beleive any person with any level of intelligence would exibit such evil thoughts and actually take the time to write them. What has our sociey come to when people will attack other individuals without hearing their side to a story…shame on you
In this case, we shared the story because the welfare of animals matters and because actions that harm animals deserve attention and accountability. Our hope is always to encourage compassion, kindness, and better protection for our furry family members. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Shame on the author of this article. It is true these people should be punished and what they did was wrong, but why frame this as “hunter” kills boy’s dog. This isn’t about “hunters” but about a very bad person. Maybe it should read “church-going man” kills dog, or something else?
The focus here is on the individual who made this terrible choice, not on every person who hunts. Many hunters are responsible and deeply respect animals and nature. Our concern was the heartbreaking act itself and the need for accountability when an innocent animal is harmed. Thanks for sharing your perspective and keeping the conversation thoughtful.