Rescued Dog Revealed

What:
Animal Cruelty Task Force Arrest

When:
Thursday, October 4, 2007 1:00 p.m.

Where:
Sherman Oaks Veterinary Group
13624 Moorpark Street, Sherman Oaks

Who:
The victim dog (if available pending medical condition), treating veterinarian, rescuing witnesses and investigating officer.

On October 1, 2007, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Casey Purser, attempted to drown his pet dog (Shih Tzu) "Toby" after it had defecated on the carpet. A neighbor witnessed the drowning and was able to rescue Toby from the suspect. The neighbor found Toby unconscious and not breathing. While on the way to the veterinary hospital the neighbor performed mouth to mouth resuscitation on Toby saving the dogs life. The veterinary hospital resuscitated Toby with oxygen and was able to stabilize his condition.

LAPD Van Nuys Area officers responded to the veterinary hospital and arrested Purser for 597(a) of the California Penal Code, Animal Cruelty. The Animal Cruelty Task Force is currently investigating the crime and is pursuing felony charges of Animal Cruelty against Purser. If convicted, Purser could face up to three years in prison.

The Animal Cruelty Task Force is made up of Los Angeles Police Officers and Detectives, Animal Service Officers from the Department of Animal Services and Deputy Attorney’s from both the Los Angeles City Attorney’ s Office and Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. They investigate and prosecute human cruelty against animals.

Reports of animal cruelty can be reported to the Animal Cruelty Task Force at 213-847-1417.