Fatal Puppy Hit-and-Run Offender Caught
Published January 22, 2009
I don't get it! I just can't get my head wrapped around how people blatantly and thoughtlessly leave the scene of an auto accident. What makes me even more upset is when a pet is injured in an accident.
Apparently, according to an article, recently published on the ASPCA website, Rafael Lauda struck Gigi, a five month-old Pit Bull puppy and drove away, not bothering to provide any information to Gigi's distraught owner. Unfortunately, Gigi died at a nearby animal hospital from her fatal injuries.
However, shortly after the incident, the ASPCA was notified and started an immediate investigation. The ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement agents were able to arrest Lauda on several charges, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury to an animal, and driving with a suspended license. If found guilty, Lauda could be facing over a year in jail.
Dr. Robert Reisman, ASPCA Medical Coordinator of Animal Cruelty Cases gives some excellent advice for people who observe an animal struck by a car. "Regardless of how serious the injuries appear, any animal hit by a car needs immediate attention. Internal injuries may not be visible, but in all instances may be life-threatening."
He also cautions, "Because you may further aggravate a serious injury while moving an injured animal, he or she should be carefully placed on a board, or at the very least, a blanket, and carefully but quickly transported to the closest animal hospital. If there is external bleeding, apply pressure to the wound to limit loss of blood."
The ASPCA urges people walking their dogs to be cautious when crossing a street. They suggest that extension leashes not be used in heavily trafficked areas. If you witness animal cruelty in New York City, call (877) THE-ASPCA. Outside of New York City, visit their FAQ information by visiting http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cruelty_faq
Have you ever witnessed an episode of animal cruelty? How did you handle it? Leave a comment about your experience.
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Comments (113)
If a dog is dum enough to chase a car tire and ends up under the car, oh well
Another stupid recycled article from last year. Who cares about this other than psycho pet owners who care more about stupid animals than about people? Why was this "pet", which is really a savage attack beast, out in the street and allowed by it's "caring" owner to get run over? Most of you are truly sick in the head.
regardless schmuck doesnt matter what breed it was someones pet ignoramous maybe we should run you over and just leave the scene get the picture exactly
I am no longer donating money to the ASPCA. This is pure gestapo nazism. How did she know it was a pet she hit and not a possum or something?
I thought the ASPCA was different, it is nothing more then the moderate arm of the PETA human extinctionist movement.
And you wackos cheering this on need your heads examined.
I agree wit you. save your for your kids that some day they to can help some one. Dogs know more about taking care of their selves. Thats the way god planned it for animals to be selfsufficant.
why want the owner charged, for allowing a pet to run lose. they are at fault for the damage to the car and the pet
I am amazed at the amount of "A dog can be replaced" comments. A beloved family pet CANNOT be replaced the same as a child can not be replaced. Even if you add another pet after losing one it does not replace the other. Some of the commenters on here have obviously never had a family member of the animal persuasion. They will love you unconditionally no matter what you look like, how many friends you have, how much you make. etc etc etc. That's more than we can say for a lot of humans.