Another pet dog has been shot dead in Dededo, as the nation observes the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
The Guam Crime Stoppers has put up a $5,000 bounty on the killer of Sumo, an 8-year-old blue Doberman, who wandered away from home April 12. Within hours, he was found shot dead, less than 200 yards from his home on Lily St off Alageta St. in Dededo, according to Guam Animals in Need.
“Sumo was a big brother to my daughter. He was a family member,” said Dave Silva, Sumo’s owner. He explained that Sumo had wandered off Friday morning, likely through a gate accidentally left open. Upon realizing he was lost, Sumo’s family began a frantic search, only to find he had been shot and killed.
“He was a gentle old dog, just trying to find his way home,” Silva said. “Sumo was a kind, well-kept dog with a collar. He was trained and could do tricks. We took him to the beach, and he socialized regularly with people. He was so close to home. He almost made it back,” he added.
A local veterinarian who examined Sumo’s body determined the bullet wounds appear to be from a small caliber weapon, in a body location intended to kill him. Nearby workers heard a dog cry out sometime around mid-day on Friday.
“We remind everyone that it’s illegal to shoot a dog. The only exception is if you’re defending your life or livestock against a vicious animal,” said GAIN Board President, Cyrus Luhr. “It’s never okay to shoot a dog because it’s lost or stray,” he continued. “Wandering away from home shouldn’t be a death sentence,” he added.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for Sumo’s death. If you have any information on this crime, please call: Guam Crime Stoppers at 477-4357; Dededo Precinct at 632-9808; or Dave Silva at 777-2668
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