L.A. County assistant fire chief under investigation in fatal beating of neighbor's dog The 6-month-old shepherd mix is euthanized because of extensive injuries. The suspect, who has been placed on administrative leave, says he acted in self-defense. By James Wagner November 8, 2008

A Riverside teenager who left home to run an errand came home 20 minutes later to find paramedics, police and a firetruck outside his home. A neighbor took him to see the family dog, beaten and bleeding under a bush.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR THE RECORD: Dog beating: A headline on an article in Saturday's California section about the beating of a dog in Riverside said that a Los Angeles County fire official had been arrested in the case. The official, Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson, was not arrested. He was placed on administrative leave from his job. Online headline: The headline on an earlier version of this online article said Johnson was "held" in the beating; Johnson is not in custody. — --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The female dog, a 6-month-old shepherd mix named Karley, allegedly was beaten by a neighbor, Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson, who was placed on administrative leave Friday while the incident is investigated. Johnson reportedly told investigators that he had acted in self-defense. Karley was euthanized a few hours after the incident, which occurred about 4:30 p.m. Monday. Karley apparently had run across Johnson's yard and into the next yard. Travis Staggs said he started walking the dog home from his yard when Johnson offered to take Karley home. "Then something in his head snapped and he started beating the dog," Staggs said. Johnson allegedly punched Karley with a closed fist about a dozen times and then beat her with an 11-inch rock, Staggs said, adding that he tried to stop Johnson but was pushed away. Authorities received two calls from the 17000 block of Armintrout Drive: one from a woman who said her husband was attacked by a dog, and another from a man who said his neighbor had beaten a dog, Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. David Barton said in a statement. After Brandon Toole, 19, saw the injured dog, his 17-year-old sister, Heather, rushed the animal to a veterinarian, and later an animal intensive care unit. Karley was euthanized because she was so badly injured, said Jeff Toole, the teenagers' father. "I can't describe the way [Karley] looked and the pain she was in," Brandon Toole said. Police said Johnson was taken to a hospital for wrist and thumb injuries. Jeff Toole said the thumb puncture occurred when Johnson grabbed Karley's mouth and broke her jaw. Johnson told his bosses about the incident, which he described as self-defense, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman. "The Los Angeles County Fire Department is deeply concerned with allegations regarding Assistant Chief Glynn Johnson's actions in the beating of his neighbor's dog," Freeman said in a statement. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating. Malicious and intentional injuring of an animal is a felony. The Toole family said Karley was a well-behaved dog. "We are going to have to find another place to live," Jeff Toole said. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dogkilling8-2008nov08,0,7749436.story http://cbs2.comlocalPuopy.Riverside.Fire.2.859405.html NOTE: I don't understand why this man was not arrested. It seems apparent that he acted in a very unreasonable manner and his behaviour resulted in such severe injuries to Karley that she had to be euthanized. Fire Chief Glynn Johnson should be made to answer to the full extent of the law. The fact that he is in a position of power, as the Fire Chief, is even that much more alarming to me. Obviously this man has some serious issues with anger management! There is no reason why he had to act in this way, even if this was "self defense" as he claims. I have called the District Attorney' office and left a message. I'm interested to see if they will call me back about this. This guy sits at home, while on a PAID LEAVE OF ABSENCE- that is just wrong, in my books!!!!!

Please contact below regarding this horrible crime. Listed below are the addresses and telephone numbers of the Los Angeles County Fire Department Headquarters, Riverside County District Attorney's Office, and Riverside County Sheriff's Office. Please call or write to these officials to demand accountability and justice for this felony to the fullest extent allowed by law. Mention these points:

1. Karley deserves justice for her suffering and death.

2. Karley's family deserves recognition for their emotional pain and loss.

3. The perpetrator needs to pay for his crime.

4. Animal abuse should not be tolerated in a civilized society - especially by persons in high-ranking positions of public trust - and especially by those who may be called upon to help animals at their job.

5. The FBI and behavioral scientists recognize (and have documented) that animal abuse, especially when it goes unpunished, often leads to (or occurs at the same time as) violence against people.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Headquarters Chief P. Michael Freeman 1320 N. Eastern Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90063 (323) 881-2401

Riverside County District Attorney's Office 4075 Main Street Riverside, CA 92501 (951) 955-5400

Riverside County Sheriff's Office Perris Station 137 N. Perris Perris, CA 92570 (951) 210-1000

Ask for, or write attention to, Investigator Cherie Blossfield

Thank you for speaking up for Karley, and all other animals who suffer at the hands of criminals.

COLD WEATHER DANGERS

• Dogs' feet are extremely sensitive to cold weather and booties are a great way to protect them from rock salt and sharp ice. Thoroughly rinse their feet after being outside, since ice can collect between pets' toes.

• Cats may seek warmth under the hood of a car. To avoid a surprise in cold weather, always check for sleeping cats.

• Bringing outdoor animals inside creates its own risks due to drier air and lower humidity in the winter months. Brush pets more frequently and contact a veterinarian about introducing dietary supplements or prescribing a moisturizer.

SAFETY PROOFING A HOLIDAY HOME

• Trees provide a great temptation for cats to climb and dogs to chew on, so holiday trees should be well secured to prevent accidents. Also, pets should not drink tree water, which may cause gastrointestinal upset.

• Holiday ornaments should be hung out of pets' reach. Ingestion of ornaments or broken glass (not to mention ribbons and bows) can lead to serious medical emergencies. Pets, especially cats, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines.

• Animals are attracted to bright, moving lights so candles should be kept on high shelves. Candles as well as fireplaces should be constantly supervised since embers, sparks and wax can injure pets.

• Other holiday products that can harm pets include snow globes (many of which contain harmful antifreeze) and artificial snow, which can cause reactions if inhaled.

• Holiday plants including ivy, holly, mistletoe, hibiscus, poinsettia, lilies and Christmas greens all have various levels of toxicity. Position these high off the ground to avoid dangerous ingestion mishaps.

HOLIDAY TREATS

• No table scraps for pets! Fatty meats, gravies and poultry skin can cause pancreatitis, gastritis, enteritis, colitis and other gastrointestinal problems. Bones put pets at risk for bowel obstruction or perforation and choking.

• No chocolate for four-legged friends. It contains theobromine, which is highly toxic to dogs and cats when eaten in even small quantities.

• Pets should celebrate with home-cooked dog and cat treats. Recipes are available on the Internet.

PETS AND PARTIES

• An influx of holiday guests may frighten or agitate animals, making them more prone to barking or even biting.

• Find a quiet room away from the crowd that pets can have to themselves.

• Pets can easily slip out through an open door as guests come and go -- keep a steady eye on pets and be sure they are wearing current identification tags.

What Are the Top 6 Holiday Dangers To Pets?

• Holiday Foods* (Including Strings and Things)
• Unattended Alcoholic Drinks*
• Floral Arrangements & Yuletide Plants*
• Tree Ornaments & Christmas Tree Water*
• Electrical Cords
• Ribbons & Wrappings