The Guam Animals In Need (GAIN) on Tuesday announced a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or grand jury indictment of the person responsible for the brutal killing of a pet dog named Pugua.
“The reward money comes from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous,” said Cyrus Luhr, President of the GAIN Board. “We hope the reward will lead to swift justice for Pugua’s killer.”
On Sept. 27, Pugua was violently killed near his Yigo home. Based on distressed howls heard by neighbors, the attack is believed to have occurred around 11 am Thursday morning.
GAIn described Pugua as “a gentle and playful” two-year old Jack Russell and boonie mix. Pugua’s body was found shot and possibly beaten in the carport of a family friend who was taking care of him during the day. A bloody shovel was found near his body.
Dr. Thomas Poole, Guam territorial veterinarian, said an autopsy shows that Pugua likely died from “a large caliber bullet probably from a handgun 9mm or larger.” Due to the nature of the bullet wound, Dr. Poole states that Pugua died instantly in the carport.
Pugua’s death is one of four attacks on pets in the same neighborhood, near the Yigo Mayor’s Office.
Across the street from Pugua’s home, a neighbor reports their golden retriever was shot in the leg and testicles with a bb gun early last week. Further up the same road, a couple reports their Rottweiler was shot in the chest and killed a few weeks ago. And this past Friday morning, a small dog was found dead from gunshot wounds in the same neighborhood.
“Someone trespassed onto private property with a loaded gun, and brutally executed a family pet,” Luhr said. “This violent person is still on the loose, and these families are afraid for their safety and the safety of their pets” he added.
Numerous studies show that animal abusers are strongly linked to other types violent crimes. A 2001-2004 study by the Chicago Police Department "revealed a startling propensity for offenders charged with crimes against animals to commit other violent offenses toward human victims."
Information is still being sought on a person of interest who made threats against Pugua and other neighborhood dogs a day prior to the attack.
He is described as a larger (6’, 200-230 lbs) Chamorro man with tattoos and short black hair, last seen Wednesday between 4-5 pm in Yigo (near the Mayor’s Office) pushing a stroller alongside a pregnant Chamorro woman (5’5”, 150 lbs) with long black hair, and two children under the age of three.
Anyone with information about these violent crimes is urged to contact Guam Crime Stoppers by calling 477-HELP (4357), texting 486-HELP (4357), or visiting guam.crimestoppersweb.com.