Three Teens Torture Dog to Death
Posted on 2007 under Burned-Set on Fire, Crimes Against Canines, Just Sad :(, News & Updates, Petitions, Torture, Youth Abusers |30 Aug
Three teenage boys, 12, 14 and 16 years old in Guadalupe County, TX got their sick twisted jollies off of torturing a small dog to death! This crime is just beyond horrific!
The walked into Stephanie Tavere’s yard and stole her beloved little Pomeranian mix puppy, Tobey, and took it to an abandoned house where they cruelly and mercilessly tortured it to death! This little dog, who had probably never known anything but gentle kindness, caring and pampering was repeatedly thrown out of a second story window then when it’s legs were broken they hung it from a tree and beat it like a pinata then decapitated it! There was also evidence that the dog was burned while it was still alive!
It makes me ill just to think of the pain and agony this poor dog endured!
A neighbor saw suspicious activity and called the police. Deputy Brian Wahlert was dispatched to Glenewinkel Road at 8:47 p.m. to investigate suspicious activity near an abandoned house.
“When the officer got out there, he found the boys and got to questioning them,” Jordan said.
At least one of the juveniles reportedly had blood on his clothing, and when the officer asked questions, he found the answers offered by each didn’t add up.
Continued investigation revealed the tortured and mutilated animal. Jordan said Investigator Robert Murphy was called to process the crime scene and collect evidence and statements.
Investigators found the dog had been hanged, beaten to death and then decapitated. In addition, it sustained burns and other major injuries.
The three teens were arrested and are being held on charges of animal cruelty resulting in death are being held in the Guadalupe County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Detention hearings were conducted Wednesday afternoon before County Court-at-Law Judge Linda Z. Jones, who ordered all three boys, detained for 10 working days.
While at the facility they will go to previously scheduled medical appointments, attend classes in the detention center and undergo psychological evaluations as ordered by the judge at the request of prosecutor Nan Udell, who represents the office of County Attorney Elizabeth Murray-Kolb.
“The psychological evaluations will determine their history and any mental health issues we need to address or at least be aware of as we move forward,” said Ron Quiros, Guadalupe County’s chief juvenile probation officer.
Nan Udell, an assistant co-attorney, said that local law enforcement is very disturbed about the animal cruelty and even more disturbed by the fact that the boys show no remorse whatsoever for the crime they committed.
“We’re very concerned about that,” Udell said. “They have been asked to have psychological testing so we can see if this is a pattern or a fluke. We don’t know right now.”
“These individuals appear to be so dangerous that we shouldn’t have them in our society,” said Udell.
“This is a wake up call, because really bad things can happen here,” said Nan Udell, an assistant Guadalupe County attorney. It may be one of the saddest cases Udell has had to prosecute in the county.
“This is a crime of power over something that is helpless,” added Udell.
If proved at trial for an adult, animal cruelty is punishable by six months to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
In the juvenile setting, Quiros said Jones could sentence the boys to serve time at the Texas Youth Commission.
“If adjudicated, the judge has the discretion in disposition to commit them to the TYC or place them on probation to receive any treatment she feels to be necessary for this type of offense,” Quiros said.
Udell doesn’t think this case will go to court. She predicts all three teens will most likely be sent to the Texas Youth Commission until they are 19 years old.
“This kind of extreme cruelty will not be tolerated and will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” County Attorney Elizabeth Murray-Kolb said. “But with juveniles, we have to remember we have a chance of rehabilitating them, and, of course, we will make every effort to see that they are placed somewhere that can give them the help they need while at the same time protecting the public from children who do vicious things.”
It seems that animal cruelty cases by children and teens are escalating and you continually hear that they have no remorse for what they did, that they don’t see anything wrong with it!! What is wrong with these kids?? How have they been brought up that they place no value on life? It’s kids like this that grow up to populate our jails for even more serious crimes, that grow up to be killers! It’s been proven again and again the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence.
This is just one of the results of kids today who see ‘role models’ perpetrating horrific violence against animals. They emulate and think it’s okay. This is the lesson they learn and people wonder why we come down so heavy on ‘celebs’ who do this kind of stuff, this is why!
PETITION
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PETITION - Appeal to prosecute under NEW TX. Animal Cruelty Laws-teens despicable act of torturing pup to death
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by Regina Marino, on August 30 2007 @ 12:44 pm
I can never get use to seeing these kind of stories. I have had dogs in my life ever since I was small. And think that it is a shame that people get a pleasure out of hurting or killing an animal. I hope that these teens will get punished for this crime.
by Admin, on August 30 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Regina, even with the hundreds and hundreds or stories that I read, I still can’t get used to them either. To be honest, I know I never do because that will mean I am becoming hardened to the pain and suffering and losing a part on me. When you stop feeling, you start becoming the kind of person who can actually do stuff like this.
by catwoman, on August 30 2007 @ 1:19 pm
I wouldn’t think twice about getting even with these teens who tortured this dog,the law doesn’t seem to care much when its an animal.The only way to punish these teens is give them the chair and pull the switch,they took a life and theirs should be taken away also.
by Stephanie, on August 30 2007 @ 2:32 pm
this is absolutely disgusting..what the hell is wrong with kids today (not that im old–im only 25) if i ever found those kids id rip every limb off of them..that poor precious little fluffy ball of love. may he rest in peace and may those teenagers die a very brutal, painfull death
by Anita S., on August 30 2007 @ 3:11 pm
I will be publishing a petition against these 3 monsters very soon on this sickening heinous act. I am asking Operation Kindness to help by providing me with the best person to which to target this petition for the most impact and effectiveness. As the author of Mercy’s and Maximus’s petition, (and others) I believe we’ll get as many signatures as those petitions did!
by Admin, on August 30 2007 @ 3:27 pm
Anita, when you get the petition set up, please let me know so that I can publish a link here as well. This was a horrendously cruel act and it is just beyond understanding how anyone, let alone ‘children’ could do such a thing!!
by Marisa, on August 30 2007 @ 5:35 pm
I hope all three of these pieces of crap rot in hell. Someone please notify when that petition becomes available. Honestly, all I can say is ditto to what EVERYBODY ELSE HAS SAID. These idiots are sick monsters. As I said above, may they rot in hell, and Tobey is resting in peace. My heart and thoughts go out to Stephanie. I am sorry for your loss.
by Tassa Rose, on August 30 2007 @ 9:58 pm
Cases like these are escalating, as the Violence in our own Society is continuing without any forseeable END. I am an Animal Lover, having owned both Dogs and Cats; have been a PETA member, adopted a Wolf by donating to stop senseless Government shooting of Wolves in Forest~Mountain~Barren Regions. Of course, I am outraged at this senseless and CRUEL act of VIOLENCE toward animals! Hopefully, this does NOT reflect our Society at Present; and the Climate in this Country that is beyond a boiling point, due to lies, and the millions of bodies being killed daily overseas. Food for thought…
by Cynthia, on August 31 2007 @ 1:09 am
I am so glad to find people who feel that this is a horrendous crime, as I agree with all of you. I have the unfortunate circumstances of living in Texas where in 2005, city animal control workers in the town of Jourdanton were caught drowning dogs in the sewage treatment tanks next door to the pound. This had been going on for some time and was actually ordered by a city official to save money. Just recently it was exposed that animal control in another town in south Texas was starving the dogs that they picked up and then dumping these dogs in remote rural areas to die there. This is the mentality of these “God fearing” folk. If you speak of animal rights, they call you an animal worshiper and tell you that humans are more important and that you should focus your “missguided” energy on starving children instead. (And they wonder why the kids are screwed up!!) I belong to an animal rights group here in San Antonio, and believe me, it’s an almost impossible battle to try to change things…….but we WILL continue pushing ahead!! Thanks to every one of the animal-loving kindred spirits out there.
by Anita S., on August 31 2007 @ 11:31 am
Petition is Live!
Please sign and pass it around! We need signatures quickly. We don’t know how swiftly they’re going to move on this case.
Their lawyers may try to keep the kids protected under the current laws, which will mean little or no punishment. We need them prosecuted under the NEW laws, which take affect SEPT 1.
Please read the “letter” of the petition to understand this!
PETITION
by Scott Enk, on August 31 2007 @ 5:50 pm
The subhumans that did this to little Tobey deserve as much mercy and consideration as they showed that dog–none. To call them “animals” is unfair to animals.
They should feel lucky to live in a civilized society. Were it up to many thoughtful people, this one included, they would get exactly what they gave. And if I could do so lawfully, I would gladly inflict the same sort of torture and death upon them that they did on that helpless creature–preferably in a packed stadium, on national television, not only as just punishment, but as an example and a warining to anyone else who might even “think” of abusing a pet.
It is long past time to stop trying to “understand” the “people” who do such things and start having laws that will support our right and duty as a society and as decent human beings to punish those who, by such actions, forfeit their membership in the human race and any claim to human dignity or human rights–and inflict swift, harsh, and public punishment on them, including, in particularly egregious or repeated cases, yes, torture and death.
Scott Enk
senk8105@sbcglobal.net
by Cara, on September 1 2007 @ 11:13 am
PLEASE, PLEASE use this awful story as a reminder not to leave your pets outside without someone being present. This same thing happened in Kansas recently and someone in California removed a pet turtle from a person’s yard and tortured it, too(thanksfully, he survived). I lived in Georgia for awhile and pet’s in yards were being stolen to be used as “practice dogs” for pit bull fighting. Use common sense, there are very bad people out there.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS IN A YARD UNATTENDED.
God Bless Toby, my heart goes out to you and I am sorry that this world let you down.
by Anita S., on September 1 2007 @ 6:37 pm
I asked Maria Daines, (who wrote the song for Mercy), to write a song for Tobey, and she did! I’m sure you’ve heard Maria’s song for Mercy too.
The petition has only been up since 8/31 and it already has OVER 2,000 signatures from around the WORLD! Thank you all for your support!
**Did you know that Tobey belonged to a LITTLE girl? Apparently not even really old enough to understand what happened to her puppy?**
An Update on the Investigation:UPDATE
From Maria Daines
Sep 1, 2007 6:23 PMSubject:
A song for Tobey
We were asked to write a song for Tobey by Paws4Life, a friend on myspace
PAWS4LIFE
LISTEN/DOWNLOAD HERE
TOBEY’S SONG
I heard about you
And my eyes filled with tears
I’m still shocked by life
After all these years
I’m still in denial
I’m still broken up
How can children murder
An innocent pup?
And where lies the answer?
And where lies the blame?
And how can you measure
A puppy’s pain?
And where are the leaders?
And those who can teach?
And why is compassion
Just out of reach?
Tobey was precious
Tobey was loved
Now angels cradle
His soul up above
And we who remain
We must fight every day
To save the voiceless
And keep them safe
Cos Tobey was precious
Tobey was loved
Now angels cradle
His soul up above
© Maria Daines/Paul Killington
All Rights Reserved
(mcps) ASCAP
1st September 2007
PLEASE SIGN PETITION FOR TOBEY TODAY, CLICK HERE
This is not an isolated case, please support Petabuse.com and Texas Humane Legislation Network -
PETABUSE.COM
THLN.ORG
by Admin, on September 1 2007 @ 7:05 pm
Anita, thank you so very much!! This is wonderful! Anything that can draw attention to this horrific crime.
by For The Love of the Dog » A Tribute to Tobey - The Dog Brutally Tortured by Teens, on September 2 2007 @ 10:12 am
[...] the horrific story of the little dog, Tobey, that was stolen from Stephanie Tavere’s yard and brutally tortured and killed by three teenage boys in Guadalupe County, [...]
by Heather, on September 3 2007 @ 6:19 pm
This kind of stuff makes me so mad. Kids hear and see things they shouldn’t see and hear and then they go out and repeat it on someone or something that can’t defind itself.
I am sickened. We have a 10 year old dog and to think of anyone treating him this way is beyond bearing. I have been around dogs all my life and not one animal should have to suffer.
These kids are old enough to know better.
by Anita, on September 4 2007 @ 3:12 pm
FROM: http://www.readlarrypowell.com
THE TOBY PETITION: Last week we mentioned the tragic case of Toby, a Pom mix tortured to death by some kids in Guadalupe County.
Anita Solomon, who knows how to do these things, started an on-line petition drive to make sure the people in power know that there are good and decent citizens who want these sick people prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. (That is a photo of Toby from KSAT-TV in San Antonio.)
As we entered the holiday weekend, Anita reported, “Would you believe we’ve already crossed the 5,000 mark? This petition has spread all over the darn country!”
She is working on arrangements to have the petition hand-delivered to the Guadalupe County Attorney and thinks that it would help if more and more Texans signed the petition. You can find the petition HERE . And at this SITE you can read the San Antonio Express-News report on this crime.
And, just as she did when Mercy the Dog was killed, British singer Maria Daines has written a song in honor of Toby. That you can HEAR at this SITE.
As I heard the older folks say about other youngsters many a time when I was a lad, “I don’t know what got into those kids.” What snapped? What happened to their hearts? Goodness, this thing is saturated with tragedy.
REMEMBER: For every ugly story in the animal world, there are thousands and thousands of good and happy stories of loyal companions and wonderful friendships. The goal is, of course, a “happy ending” for every story. Let’s try to remember that as we wonder about the state of decency in the world.
by For The Love of the Dog » Animal abuse linked to killings, on September 6 2007 @ 1:54 pm
[...] Three Teens Torture Dog to Death - three teens, 12, 14 and 16 yrs old stole a puppy from a yard, took it to an abandoned house and proceeded to torture it to death, including repeatedly throwing it out of a second story window, burning it, hanging and beating it and finally decapitating it. [...]
by miriam, on September 14 2007 @ 9:26 am
Friends,
I would be glad to sign any petitions
regarding Toby in preventing further
unspeakable things like this from occurring
to our animal brothers and sisters.
Peace,
Miriam
by Michelle, on September 21 2007 @ 11:20 am
Has anyone received the latest updates surrounding the case involving poor little Tobey? With thousands upon thousands of folks outraged by this latest criminal case of torture, abuse, and death, I’m hoping the updates will continue to be posted far and wide.
I’m hoping the punishment handed down to these three pathetic “sadists” is “widely publicized” just as this horrific crime has been so widely publicized.
We, as human beings, need to know there has been justice for Tobey (just as we wish for all animals and humans). Somehow, at least for me, Tobey has become my ‘poster dog’ for animal cruelty and I “hope to God” the punishment handed down “justly fits” this horrendous crime and paves a new positive path of INTOLERANCE for what is “inexcusable”.
In my mind Tobey is ‘right up there’ with the Yossif story, Jessica’s law, etc…..Would appreciate if anyone has updates on this case and can post the updated link for all of us. Thank you!
by Admin, on September 21 2007 @ 11:31 am
Michelle, there’s not a whole lot happening with this, the boys are still in custody as far as I have been able to find out. They were undergoing psychological evaluations. When I find out more I’ll be sure to post it.
by Michelle, on September 21 2007 @ 12:02 pm
Thanks very much for the prompt response. We care very much about how this turns out. Do let us know once you have more information on the status of this very sad case.
by For The Love of the Dog » Update - Three Teens Torture Dog to Death, on September 21 2007 @ 12:19 pm
[...] the story that has galvanized the nation and the world, the brutal torture killing of a 5 month old chihuahua mix puppy, Tobey, by three teens, 12, 14 and 16, it’s highly unlikely that the punishment that is being called for by shocked, [...]
by Anita, on September 21 2007 @ 3:21 pm
This is the last update. There has been a gag order placed on this case and unfortunately, no one has any idea what is happening at this point.
We just have to put out faith in the County Attorney and the Judge.
The Gazette-Enterprise
Published September 12, 2007
SEGUIN — In the wake of worldwide Internet attention, the County Attorney’s Office Tuesday agreed with defense attorneys to make no further statements pertaining to the prosecution of three boys accused of torturing, killing and beheading a small dog.
County Attorney Elizabeth Murray-Kolb issued a brief statement announcing the agreement.
“The Guadalupe County Attorney’s Office has agreed to an Order to Restrict Publicity and will therefore make no further statements regarding the dog torture case to the press,” Murray-Kolb said.
The county attorney’s office, which prosecutes class A and B misdemeanors and juvenile cases here, has been inundated with calls, e-mails and even petitions seeking stern action against the youths, ages 15, 13 and 12. They are accused of stealing a small dog named “Tobey” Aug. 29, and taking him to an abandoned house off Glenewinkel Road, where they are alleged to have thrown the animal from a second floor window and then beating, burning and hanging the animal — before they beheaded it.
Murray-Kolb said she was sickened and outraged by what happened to the dog, and that her office would vigorously prosecute the case. She also said that in addition to protecting the public from other possible similar acts, she wanted to be sure help and rehabilitation was made available for the youths.
“We have to remember these are children,” Murray-Kolb said.
Tuesday, Prosecutor Nan Udell said she couldn’t comment further or say when the next hearing in the case would be.
“She did confirm the agreement, though.”
“At this point, it’s not an order of the judge,” Udell said. “It’s an agreement between the attorneys.”
In an Aug. 30 detention hearing, County Court-at-Law 2 Judge Linda Z. Jones ordered the boys held for 10 days and set psychological evaluations. Another hearing in the case could come this week, but county attorney’s office employees do not confirm juvenile hearings.
by Admin, on September 21 2007 @ 4:38 pm
Thanks Anita, this is exactly what I was looking for. I knew I saw it a while back but didn’t want to try to quote it without being sure of all the details.
by amanda, on November 8 2007 @ 6:32 pm
“These are children.”
CHILDREN MY ASS! I’m sorry, but at 16 years old, you are legally able to drive a car (and here in Texas where I, and these monsters live) to own guns - but oh no … you’re still a “child”. You can’t know the different between right and wrong.
BS! At 12, 14, and 16, you KNOW the difference between right and wrong, and at that point, your mind and soul make a conscious decision to not care to be able to do something like that. Jesus H.
If at those ages, a “child” is unable to make this distinction, they shouldn’t be allowed around the general populace ANY freakin’ way.
Crucify the soulless little bastards and be done with it.
by Michelle, on November 17 2007 @ 12:43 pm
Does anyone have an update on the status of the case involving those three ‘fiends’ who brutally tortured and killed precious little Tobey? I have yet to see an update on this case and whether they are being rightfully prosecuted.. More than that…I believe 17,000 people world wide (and I’m sure more) have signed multiple petitions against this horrendous crime. We the public deserve to know where this case stands.
Thank you.
by Mike, on November 23 2007 @ 1:20 pm
I hope someone takes these evil little bastards and gives them the most angonizing death humanly possible
by Justice for Tobey? NOT! | Burned-Set on Fire | Current Dog News, Tips and Information for You and Your Canine Companion, on December 22 2007 @ 11:44 am
[...] the case that sparked nation and worldwide response in which three teens, 12, 14 and 16 years old in Guadalupe County, TX, brutally tortured and killed Tobey, a …, ‘justice’ has been handed down. If that’s what you can call it!! I have no doubt [...]
by Barbara Robertson, on December 22 2007 @ 11:35 pm
What is the outcome of this horrific case??????
by Barbara Robertson, on December 22 2007 @ 11:47 pm
I have just read the sentencing for these monsters. I cannot believe that is all they got. This is the most violent and inhumane crime these three idiots could of done and their needs to be an appeal to see if these guys can get more time!!!!!
by Jon, on December 31 2007 @ 5:21 am
One thought comes to mind ,Jeffrey Dahmer ! Jeffrey Dahmer didn’t even kill animals, he picked up road kill! If they can kill a small innocent dog then killing a human being is next ! So when they are released watch out! WEIRDO’S !
“Jeffrey Dahmer, the Wisconsin youngster who impaled animals on stakes, grew up to be convicted of torturing 16 victims to death, some were just children” http://www.karisable.com/skazdahmer.htm
Marilyn Bardsley
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 12:43 am
@catwoman -
dont you think the chair is a little harsh.
two wrongs dont make a right.
i understand but its not solving the issue.
yes i agree, they should pay some pentality.
its not just teens doing this either. there are plenty of adults subjecting dogs to this kind of abuse as well. just look at koreas culture, they do even worse to dogs
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 12:46 am
@Barbara Robertson -
i could think of worse things
why should these kids get more time.and what exactly are you suggesting they should get huh? crimes on human beings are far heinous. but it seems as a society, that weve all become numb and less caring. this world is shit.
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 12:53 am
@Mike -
oh yeah, spoken like a true humanitarian arent you.the teens are getting enough for their punshment.whether or not they will learn from it is another thing.you act like theyve killed a human being .im sorry to hear about the dog and its owners pain.but isnt that problem right there. if a human being dies, the world goes “oh well” but when a fucking dog dies, the whole world has a fucking fit .this makes no sense to me. peoples morals and ethics are ass backwards
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 12:58 am
@amanda -
ok calm down there jesus!!!!!!!!!!
maybe they dont fucking know the difference between right and wrong!!!! just because you claim to know
maybe they shoulve thrown in an insanity plea which of course is only 1 percent
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 1:04 am
@Anita S. -
your all fricken pathetic
once again, im sorry about the dog but a song now.do you think its going to bring it back.and what about the hamburger and chicken you eat everyday. wheres their tribute song huh. nobody gives a shit about the cows and chickens do they. wheres their prayers
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 1:06 am
@Cara -
the torture, cant be any worse then reading these comments, that all of you are posting here. thats torture too.
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 1:14 am
@Stephanie - oh yeah, thats a real rational answer bud to solving this problem .if you did that to those kids, youd be spending the rest of your 25 years of age in prison for life. so think about that before you go on threatening with what you plan on doing.
i dont think you have a right to dictate where their going. violence begets violence. judge not or yea be judged. im sure you just love that favorite little passage
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 1:22 am
@Scott Enk -
YOU PEOPLE ARE TRULY SICKER THAN THE CRIMINALS ARE.
by cannon, on July 5 2008 @ 1:25 am
@Jon -
its highly doubtful, that their all going to turn into serial killers now!!!!!!!dont you think thats a bit extreme.i think you need alot of therapy
by Marisa, on July 7 2008 @ 3:16 pm
@cannon… if you are tired of reading these comments why the hell are you on this site??? Huh, you maggot? Go find another site… you make me sick you pig from hell. Are you so serious to actually think these boys do not know right from wrong? You have got to be smoking something you piece of crap. Of course they know right from wrong. You are just as stupid as they are, you need help. You wouldn’t want to be standing in front of me right now, you would be in a world of shit and hurt.