- Missouri, USA -
Following a gut-wrenching video that was widely circulated on social media, showing 26-years-old MATTHEW JACOB FIALA (pictured), abusing a defenseless dog, FIALA is now facing animal cruelty charges.
The incident, that was thankfully recorded by a neighbor, happened on January 2, 2024, at FIALA’s home.
The video starts with FIALA taking a picture of a German Shepherd on a leash. FIALA then can be seen pulling the dog to a crate and the dog can be seen resisting. Once the Voiceless Victim is inside the crate, FIALA looks around and then throws a bucket of water in the dog’s face. But that’s not all. As the German Shepherd attempts to escape, FIALA flips and tips the crate with the dog inside. FIALA then opens the crate door and when the furbaby tries to escape, FIALA proceeds to kick the crate door right near the dog’s face. FIALA can also be seen slamming the crate against the concrete.
Throughout the video, the German Shepherd can be heard yelping and crying.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department received a copy of the video on January 2, 2024, and officers responded to FIALA’s home.
FIALA claims to be a dog trainer and appears to operate under several different names.
According to 41 KSHB, Pleasant Hill Police Chief Thomas Wright told the news outlet: “We think it’s a client’s dog” and added: “The dog could still be at Fiala’s house. We could not seize the dog. He didn’t let us in his house.”
41 KSHB reports that FIALA told police there are a total of six dogs in his house, and police believe three of them are his.
Police Chief Wright told KCTV: “We know that the neighbors have reported abuse in the past, but it’s always been anonymous. The difference in this case is that somebody has decided, ‘Hey, it’s time to stand up for these animals.’ And so that and with that video that gives us evidence that we need to put a case together.”
On Monday, January 8, 2024, city prosecutors charged FIALA with animal cruelty, having too many animals in his home, and not having a business license.
Court records show that FIALA is scheduled to appear at Pleasant Hill Municipal Court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. before Judge Roger Andre Potter.
Chief Wright said this is an ongoing investigation and his department is working with the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney for possible state charges.
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