Redacted names will appear in the letter sent to Anchorage Police Department.

Dear Chief Tolley,

Our organization is writing to you out of an abundance of concern for the recent abuses committed against animals in Anchorage.

On June 8, 2016 we received a post on our Facebook page from an individual whose blind and diabetic dog was missing. The dog went missing as two individuals who were housesitting and responsible for the dog allegedly stole thousands of dollars’ worth of possessions from the homeowners and the family dog went missing. For your reference, Police Reports T16004226, T16004223 and case number 160503545.

The two individuals who we are told were in the home and responsible for the dog are Redacted DOB 2/17/1984 and Redacted DOB 12/25/1988. A cursory view of Alaska Court view indicates they should both be well known to Alaska Law Enforcement. Of special note should be that Redacted has a reopened case notated, “Petition to revoke probation – ASAP”. Case Number: 3VA-14-00182CR.

The dog these two individuals were allegedly responsible for was reported to the owners as apparently not feeling well. The owners indicated to these two individuals they should seek medical attention for the dog. They reportedly refused.

One of the owners returned home to find missing possessions and their dog (Spencer) missing. Spencer’s picture and information began appearing on Social Media networks throughout the state of Alaska.

Reportedly, both “house sitters” had limited contact with the owners when they left the house and denied knowing anything about the missing dog.

On June 11, 2016 we received word that Spencer had been found deceased. It was reported to us that he was found wrapped in a cloth and placed inside a duffel bag and left in a ditch.

The owners did reach out and ask to speak with a Detective at the Anchorage Police Department, but as of this writing they have not heard back from one.

Additionally, there is a report of a Pitbull named Zeus being treated by Cornerstone Animal Hospital in Anchorage. This dog has multiple puncture wounds located throughout its body, will require amputation of its front leg and has broken toes on one of his back feet. His injuries are so extensive; donations are being asked for as his medical bills will be substantial. We also cannot help but be reminded of the dog Snoop who was found hanging from a tree with his throat slit on October 23, 2014 in Anchorage.

Furthermore, we would like to know whether The FBI is receiving animal cruelty offense reports from the Anchorage Police Department through the Bureau’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which as you may know began collecting detailed data from participating law enforcement agencies on acts of animal cruelty, including gross neglect, torture, organized abuse, and sexual abuse on January 1, 2016. If the Anchorage Police Department does not participate in providing this information to NIBRS, we would like to know if there is a plan and or time table for this to happen.

Last, we are seeking clarification on whether Anchorage Police Department Non-Emergency is capable of taking reports of animal cruelty. We have received reports from Anchorage residents who have stated in the past that the Non-Emergency dispatchers will not send an officer to take a report of animal cruelty.

Sec. 03.55.110 Investigation of cruelty to animals’ complaints states:

(a)   A person who believes that cruelty to animals has taken place or is taking place may file a complaint with a public or private animal control agency or organization, the department, or a peace officer. An agency or organization or the department may refer the complaint to a peace officer.

 

In instances where Animal Control is closed, we believe even a loose interpretation of this reading indicates an Anchorage Police Department Officer may take a complaint of animal cruelty and conduct an onsite investigation into said complaint should the Officer determine the need for such.

 

In closing we ask that the Anchorage Police Department assign a Detective to the case of Spencer and question the individuals who were responsible for his care, safety and wellbeing in an effort to bring justice not only for Spencer, but his family as well.

Additionally, we ask that the Anchorage Police Department investigate the apparent abuse of Zeus who is in the care of Cornerstone Animal Hospital.

We respectfully ask that you respond to our inquiry regarding NIBRS and clarify the Anchorage Police Department’s position on taking, investigating and referring an animal cruelty complaint.

We and the Anchorage community appreciate your attention to these matters.

Very Respectfully,

Anchorage Pets Lost and Found