Authorities in Colorado are actively searching for an individual responsible for a shocking act of animal cruelty. This person allegedly stole a beloved pet from its owner’s yard and callously discarded the animal from a moving vehicle, resulting in severe injuries that led to the unfortunate decision to euthanize the pet, as reported by law enforcement.
The Commerce City Police Department announced in a press release on Nov. 28 that the beloved dog, known as “Rambo,” had to be euthanized, a message that was shared widely on social media.
The owner revealed to investigators and a local news station that Rambo was stolen from his backyard last month during his absence, and he only learned of the heartbreaking outcome after viewing the Police Department’s announcement on Instagram.
“This is sickening and heart-wrenching and we desperately need your help,” CCPD said in the post, which featured photos of Rambo and his broken spine. “On November 23rd at around 7:45 p.m., someone had the audacity to throw this poor animal out the passenger side window of a moving car at the intersection of East 64th Avenue and Monaco Street.”
A good Samaritan observed the “horrific ordeal” and reported it, according to CCPD. Officers who reached the location took Rambo to an emergency vet, where he was found to be in severe pain and unable to move due to his injuries, ultimately resulting in his euthanasia.
“We are continuing to investigate what happened next and who is responsible for the terrible act,” CCPD said.
Investigators are encountering a significant challenge, as police officials report that their primary witness is too traumatized and concerned for the dog’s safety to recall the appearance of the suspect’s vehicle after witnessing Rambo being thrown from it.
“Unfortunately the witness was so jarred and went immediately to help the dog (and it was dark) that he didn’t get a description or plate,” CCPD said in a Facebook response to a user who asked for a description of the vehicle and whether there was surveillance video from a nearby business or residence. “It was caught on camera at a business but just in the corner, and it’s impossible to tell which,” CCPD said.
Authorities intend to pursue felony aggravated animal cruelty charges against the individual responsible for the dog theft, should they be apprehended.
“The main officer who responded emailed me her report because she was so upset,” Small said. “Seeing that dog’s face really affected her. She wanted to save the dog. It was terrified. It went to bite them when they tried to help. That’s why it was wearing a muzzle.”
According to Small, the emergency vets reported that Rambo “didn’t have any sensation in its body” when he came in. “Literally unable to move,” she said. “Basically a quadriplegic.”
Authorities continued their investigation on Monday, seeking clues regarding the vehicle involved.