like him.

"Jose Mosqueda, 18, of Ventura, CA., was booked at the county jail dfor investigation of cruelty to animals and grand theft. Mosqueda viciously attacked Bob, a 42 pound pet tortoise who was slashed and stabbed after being stollen from the home of an Autistic boy***. Police say the attacker tried to cut Bob out of his shell. His hind legs were punctured with a sharp object. The animals also was thrown against a wall.

Witnesses to the torture provided information that helped lead to the arrest.***

The 25 year old African spurred tortoise*** belongs to Dorothy and Bill Sullivan and is a special friend to their 6 year old autistic son, who rarely spoke to people but chattered to the animal. The tortoise was snatched from their yard July 7, brutalized and dumped in brush behind an appartment complex. An anonymous caller told the family where to find Bob."

This was a report from the Associated Press. They didn't bother to say how the tortoise is doing.

***Witnesses should have called police immediately, please don't stand there and allow an animal to be tortured!
The police did say the man wasn't trying to eat the turtle???? Is this pig in the country legally, we shall see.
***This is an exotic animal, not a pet for an autistic child. There are many Animal Rescue Groups that bring animals to centers for children with disabilites. It is critical that these animals be supervised at all times. Because so many tortoises have been hit by cares, they are endangered, and should not be kept as pets if found. There are facilities in CA., who keep tortoises in protected areas......away from cars or danger, they are allowed to roam in their natural habitat. I'll try and find a better link, but please, CALL THE POLICE, DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE ANIMAL, OR HUMAN IS NEAR DEATH OR DEAD!

Thanks for letting me vent! I know I'm losing it! I do appreciate the fact that someone cared enough to call. What the heck is this country coming to?
tb