HAS IT BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE THIS OCCURRED?

Ruben O'Bell

4681 Larkspur Drive

Brownsville TX 78526

January 11, 2010 

Honorable District Attorney Armando Villalobos,

Although we have long known that dogs are man’s best friends, that has not stopped certain individuals from subjecting dogs and other animals to abuse. Animal cruelty does not discriminate. It is seen in rural and urban communities alike, and amongst different classes of people. Yet, the problem continues despite laws that have been written with the sole purpose of protecting our animals. According to several reports, thousands of cases of animal cruelty go unreported each year. It is time that law enforcement officials and our entire community join forces to do all we can to put a stop to this ongoing problem.

Last month, the local newspaper reported that a teen was arrested for animal cruelty and burglary. Animal cruelty alone is an indicator of behavioral problems in human beings. It is probable that the teen, Mr. Mario Gasca, has other personal problems and issues that may have caused him to kick and stab a puppy. According to a report entitled, "Children and Animals: Exploring the Roots of Kindness and Cruelty" (2005), disturbed children kill or harm animals to emulate their parents’ conduct or take out their aggressions on the victim. In other reports, 70 percent

of animal abusers had records for other crimes. Violently kicking a small dog twice and proceeding to stab it in the mid section and mouth is monstrous.

Moreover, local newspapers have noted that some citizens were outraged by such a report of animal cruelty. Please add me to that list. Before 2009, I cared very little about animals and pets in general. That all changed when my wife and I rescued and adopted two dogs, Sam and Duke. At first, I adopted pets to keep my wife company as I worked out of town for extended periods of time. I "had" to spend time with them and I "had" to feed them, were my original thoughts. However, my view changed when I heard a local advocate say that pets only ask for two things: a little bit of love and a little bit of attention, that's all. In that instant, my world changed! It was true. My dogs did not ask for much, just a little bit of love and a little bit of attention. Since then, Sam and Duke have been apart of the family and I spend quality time with both of them each day.

As you know, I work for a member of the Texas House of Representatives. During the 81st Legislative Session, I made sure to support and monitor legislation that would champion animal advocacy. I worked alongside individuals such as Mr. Robert "Skip" Trimble, who is a board member of the Texas Humane Legislation Network. With the good graces of my boss, I will continue to support legislation that intends to help animals.

As for the case against Mr. Mario Gasca, I would like to formally ask you to please consider prosecuting him to the fullest extent of the law. I truly believe that there are other factors as to why Mr. Gasca acted with so much hate. Furthermore, we should all take responsibility for our own actions and Mr. Gasca is no different.

I know you must be extremely busy with many other cases; thus, I would like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this correspondence. If I could ever be of service, please contact me at any time.

Sincerely,
Ruben O'Bell