Tails in the News
By Sarah Dahnke
Officer arrested after police dog
Ever since Bandit, the 5-year-old police dog, was found dead inside an overheated squad car in mid-August, there has been an outcry from both the public and the police about the treatment of the dog and his handler, Sgt. Tom Lovejoy. The officer was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after it was discovered that Bandit had been left in his vehicle for more than 12 hours. Lovejoy says he simply forgot that his canine companion was with him on his shift, as he was working extra duty and had only slept six hours in two days.
Lovejoy was sent to Maricopa County jail then released the following day. County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says it was necessary to arrest the officer and treat him like any member of the community. However, the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police has criticized Arpaio’s actions, saying he should have issued only a citation or summons, rather than a full custody arrest. They’ve accused him of using the case to seek publicity before his upcoming election.
Meanwhile, the Chandler police did not plan a public memorial for Bandit, so shortly after his death, two local residents organized an event in his honor. They maintained that the memorial service was not designed to be a protest or political event, but merely to provide an honorable way for residents to pay their respects. Normally, memorial services for police dogs are open to the public, but the Chandler police kept the formal service private, given the circumstances under which Bandit died. A benefit in Bandit’s honor will be held Nov 11.
Police searched the home of rapper DMX in late August during an animal cruelty investigation, prompted by reports that he was keeping Pit Bulls under poor care and supervision. Authorities seized a dozen dogs, and another three were found dead and buried in the rapper’s yard, located in rural north Phoenix. They also found a half-pound of suspected illegal narcotics, which are being tested at the Maricopa County Police Department to confirm their content. DMX was not at home when authorities arrived, and his attorney says he has not lived in the house for several months. The lawyer also said DMX had hired a caretaker for the dogs.
The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in 2002 in New Jersey. However, no charges have been filed, and no arrests have been made in Maricopa County. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
Painter Linda Budge was able to raise $2,000 for animal charities through her Dog Days of August contest. Budge invited pet parents to write stories about their furry friends and submit them for a chance to win a customized painting of their canine companion. Susan Miller, guardian of Yuzzy, a Poodle/Havanese/Maltese mix, won the grand prize with her short story titled “Yuzzy Strikes Again.” Twelve other entrants won honorable mention prizes donated by Posh Pet Boutique.
All entries were accompanied by a $25 fee and proceeds benefited local charities. For more information visit LMBudge.com.
Calling all dog-loving yogis. The Downward Dog Days Project is seeking support. The program, designed to benefit the Arizona Animal Welfare League and the ASPCA, allows enthusiasts to gather financial sponsors and embark on a seven-day yoga binge. Participants pledge to practice yoga once a day for one week in a “symbolic dedication” to animal rescue, and donors are encouraged to pledge either $35 ($5 per day) or $70 ($10 per day) to support the cause. The seven days of yoga have to be completed by Oct. 19, and the entire project will culminate in a celebration on Oct. 20 to thank participants and showcase the participating yoga studios and nonprofit organizations, according to Carissa Vivirito, Downward Dog Days Project organizer.
An information packet and pledge form are available at Vivirito.com/downwarddogdays.
Officer arrested after police dog
dies in hot car
Ever since Bandit, the 5-year-old police dog, was found dead inside an overheated squad car in mid-August, there has been an outcry from both the public and the police about the treatment of the dog and his handler, Sgt. Tom Lovejoy. The officer was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after it was discovered that Bandit had been left in his vehicle for more than 12 hours. Lovejoy says he simply forgot that his canine companion was with him on his shift, as he was working extra duty and had only slept six hours in two days.
Lovejoy was sent to Maricopa County jail then released the following day. County Sheriff Joe Arpaio says it was necessary to arrest the officer and treat him like any member of the community. However, the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police has criticized Arpaio’s actions, saying he should have issued only a citation or summons, rather than a full custody arrest. They’ve accused him of using the case to seek publicity before his upcoming election.
Meanwhile, the Chandler police did not plan a public memorial for Bandit, so shortly after his death, two local residents organized an event in his honor. They maintained that the memorial service was not designed to be a protest or political event, but merely to provide an honorable way for residents to pay their respects. Normally, memorial services for police dogs are open to the public, but the Chandler police kept the formal service private, given the circumstances under which Bandit died. A benefit in Bandit’s honor will be held Nov 11.
Rapper investigated for animal cruelty in north Phoenix
Police searched the home of rapper DMX in late August during an animal cruelty investigation, prompted by reports that he was keeping Pit Bulls under poor care and supervision. Authorities seized a dozen dogs, and another three were found dead and buried in the rapper’s yard, located in rural north Phoenix. They also found a half-pound of suspected illegal narcotics, which are being tested at the Maricopa County Police Department to confirm their content. DMX was not at home when authorities arrived, and his attorney says he has not lived in the house for several months. The lawyer also said DMX had hired a caretaker for the dogs.
The rapper, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in 2002 in New Jersey. However, no charges have been filed, and no arrests have been made in Maricopa County. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
‘Dog Days of August’ essay contest raises funds for local animal groups
Painter Linda Budge was able to raise $2,000 for animal charities through her Dog Days of August contest. Budge invited pet parents to write stories about their furry friends and submit them for a chance to win a customized painting of their canine companion. Susan Miller, guardian of Yuzzy, a Poodle/Havanese/Maltese mix, won the grand prize with her short story titled “Yuzzy Strikes Again.” Twelve other entrants won honorable mention prizes donated by Posh Pet Boutique.
All entries were accompanied by a $25 fee and proceeds benefited local charities. For more information visit LMBudge.com.
Yoga project raises funds for animal welfare
Calling all dog-loving yogis. The Downward Dog Days Project is seeking support. The program, designed to benefit the Arizona Animal Welfare League and the ASPCA, allows enthusiasts to gather financial sponsors and embark on a seven-day yoga binge. Participants pledge to practice yoga once a day for one week in a “symbolic dedication” to animal rescue, and donors are encouraged to pledge either $35 ($5 per day) or $70 ($10 per day) to support the cause. The seven days of yoga have to be completed by Oct. 19, and the entire project will culminate in a celebration on Oct. 20 to thank participants and showcase the participating yoga studios and nonprofit organizations, according to Carissa Vivirito, Downward Dog Days Project organizer.
An information packet and pledge form are available at Vivirito.com/downwarddogdays.
