A man was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting and
killing a three-year-old pit bull mix, which was found hanging from a
tree in Thurston County area in Washington state. James Leroy Evans, who
has been charged with first degree animal cruelty, has admitted that he
put down the dog because it killed his pet iguana.
The 33-year-old is being held in Thurston County jail on a $50,000 (£35,117) bail, according to a report in Q13 FOX, a Fox-affiliated television station. He will next appear in court on 26 April.
The pit bull mix, called Diamond, was a therapy dog working
as an emotional support for an eight-year-old boy. While the owners of
the dog found permanent housing that allowed dogs as pets, Diamond was
being kept at Evans's place after he offered to take care of the dog
temporarily.
But on March 22, a mountain biker found Diamond's body
hanging from a tree branch in the Summit Lake area of Thurston County.
Veterinary necropsy showed that the dog suffered aggressive sexual
assault before dying of asphyxiation.
Erika Johnson, Thurston County animal control officer,
reportedly said that she learnt from the owners of the dog that Evans
had temper issues. "What I know from family members is that he's got an
explosive personality. He's got some real anger issues," Johnson was
quoted as saying by FoxQ13. She had originally named the dog Justice.
Evans has a criminal history of domestic violence, burglary
and controlled substance charges. He is reportedly a felon from Grays
Harbor County.
"I believe that Mr. Evans felt like he was doing the right
thing by putting her [Diamond] down," Johnson was further quoted as
saying.
Evans's arrest was made with the help of tips from viewers
of Washington's Most Wanted that featured the case of the dog's
mysterious death. Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal sanctuary near Seattle,
and Thurston County Animal Services are reportedly planning to build a
public memorial for Diamond.
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