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COLBY WYATT JOHNSON witnessed punching his dog – Police left the dog with him

- Vermont, USA -


On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Vermont State Police received a call by a woman who witnessed a male punching a dog on Route 107 in the town of Bethel, Windsor County.


Police caught up with a male walking a German shepherd. An investigation revealed that the male, identified as 26-years-old COLBY WYATT JOHNSON (pictured), had an active arrest warrant for writing bad checks. Vermont State Police said in a press release that JOHNSON was cited and released with an additional charge of animal cruelty.


JOHNSON is slated to appear in Vermont Superior Court-Windsor Criminal Division on September 5, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. to answer the criminal charge of animal cruelty.


When we read cases like this one, we know that the furvictim is removed and is taken to a veterinarian to be examined. In this case, however, the furvictim was left with his/her abuser.


I emailed VSP to inquire about the Voiceless Victim and I was told that the dog, who is 2 years old, “did not appear injured or scared by its owner’s presence.”


Maybe the dog did not appear scared but he/she could not verbally express the pain nor could he/she testify whether or not he/she has been punched before.

Police officers are not veterinarians and I strongly believe that an opinion or a decision by Animal Control would have been appropriate.


This is an active criminal case and police said anyone with information about JOHNSON striking his German shepherd is asked to contact the Royalton Barracks at (802) - 234 - 9933 or submit an anonymous tip at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit. Thank you!


Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.

Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.



JOHNSON’s mugshot shared from Vermont State Police.


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