DA urges patience in ongoing ‘Puppy Doe’ case

Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey is urging patience from the public as local law enforcement continues its investigation into the fatal abuse case of “Puppy Doe,” a young female dog found tortured in Quincy.

“Puppy Doe” was called Kiya by one of her previous owners.

In a statement released last week, Morrissey expressed his gratitude for the flood of calls, tips, and offers of assistance that have come into his office from around the world over the past few weeks, and he assured the public that the investigation remains active and ongoing.

“On behalf of my office, the Quincy Police Department, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, I am grateful for the hundreds of calls and tips that have been forthcoming in the criminal investigation into the torture of Puppy Doe,” he said.

“Please be assured that these three agencies are working in concert to identify and hold accountable the person or persons responsible … It is highly unlikely that this level of sadistic cruelty could be shown to one animal and not be part of a pattern involving other animals or perhaps vulnerable people.”

Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan said investigators are “following up with each tip received — even those that have taken us out of state.”

Thousands have rallied in support of Puppy Doe, a 2-year-old pit bull who had to be euthanized due to the extent of her injuries. Called Kiya by her previous owners, she was reportedly sold several times on Craigslist and was found near the campus of Quincy Medical Center in late August severely beaten and starved, with broken bones, stab wounds, and a split tongue.

Last month, the Animal Rescue League of Boston announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of Puppy Doe’s abuser, and within weeks the ARL had received more than $35,000 in donations via a dedicated website (arlboston.kintera.org/puppydoe).

A vigil was also held for the dog in Quincy and drew an estimated 700 people, and a Facebook group called “Justice for Puppy Doe” had 53,759 “likes” as of Monday.

A larger vigil is being planned for October 26 — National Pit Bull Awareness Day — in New York City, and the animal rescue group Second Chance Rescue has started selling “Justice for Puppy Doe” t-shirts.

The outrage over Puppy Doe’s abuse has even led to instances of online vigilantism, according to a recent Boston Herald report. The Herald story quotes Chief Keenan, who complains of people posting false accusations on social media sites, resulting in numerous “dead-end leads.”

Keenan and Morrissey said people would be better served sharing information directly with police — and remaining patient while letting investigators do their job.

“Many calls have been received requesting updated information on the status and progress of the investigation,” said Morrissey. “As with all criminal investigations, we are unable to discuss publically the specifics of this very active and ongoing investigation. To do so would not only compromise the investigation, but would also violate the ethical rules to which this office is bound. The information we have received to date from the public has been invaluable in guiding our actions through the course of the investigation.”

Anyone with information material to the criminal investigation regarding Puppy Doe is encouraged to contact the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Department at 617-226-5610 or cruelty@arlboston.org, or call Quincy Police Detective Thomas Pepdjonovich at 617-745-5774.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Oct 17 2013. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.