- Iowa, USA -
Sometime the phrase “You see something, say something” may fall on powerless ears.
Although an individual was caught on video dragging his dog, kicking his dog, AND throwing objects at his dog, law enforcement could not remove the dog and left her with her abuser.
Waukee Police charged ZACHARY ULYSSES BROOKS (pictured below), with animal neglect, a simple MISDEMEANOR, after he was caught on three different videos SENSELESSLY and cruelly abusing his dog Echo.
In one of the videos BROOKS can be seen grabbing Echo by her collar and dragging her through the snowy driveway before throwing the furbaby into the home.
Before BROOKS bends over to grab Echo, Echo can be seen cowering in fear.
In another distressing video, BROOKS can be seen throwing a piece of plywood in the direction of Echo while a male stands there and watches.
KCCI reports that Waukee police Sgt. Mackenzie Sposeto said on Saturday, February 20, officers went to the townhome on NE Satinwood after neighbors called with concerns.
Sgt Sposeto said: “They let the dog out of the kennel dog ran around was wagging his tail, they actually sat down and checked the entire dog from head to tail.”
She then added: “There's no signs of injuries, no trauma of any sort that they could see. He was greeting the owner and running around in circles. So, they said, here's what we're going to ask of you. You are going to have to bring the dog inside - it is cold, and then make sure the dog has food and water.”
Basically, because the officers could not see any injuries, they couldn’t charge BROOKS with animal abuse, and after consulting with the Dallas County Attorney, BROOKS was charged with animal neglect.
I believe that a veterinary examination would have been more accurate since police officers are not vets!
According to the criminal complaint, which was filed on Saturday, February 20, BROOKS admitted to kicking and throwing things at Echo multiple times.
The reason behind this SENSELESS abuse, is that Echo was chewing BROOKS’ $500 hunting blinds.
We Are Iowa reports that the complaint states BROOKS’s girlfriend yelled at him to stop kicking the kennel and then took her kids and left the house for the day.
It’s unclear why she did not take Echo with her and left her behind to be subjected to the SENSELESS torture.
KCCI reports that the person who filmed the upsetting videos and called Waukee Police after witnessing weeks of BROOKS’ behavior, is one of BROOKS’ neighbors, Ben Lewis.
Lewis said in a statement to local media: “I'm overjoyed with the passionate support of individuals and organizations concerned about the welfare of Echo - which was my sole motivation in reaching out on social media. I completely understand the frustration at the lack of removal of Echo from the home, and the anger toward those who injure animals, but I'd like to remind everyone that this still involves a family, with children who are just as innocent in this situation as Echo. I'd ask that everyone channel that energy toward advocating for getting Echo to a safer home, and not tracking down the abuser or posting specific location information. I've seen several different addresses listed in comments on the various sites, and even had my family members' names mentioned in the frenzy. This does not help the situation and can create potentially dangerous situations for those not involved - and those who are trying to help.”
We Are Iowa reports, BROOKS has lost his sponsorship as an outdoor guide and I could not care less because Echo is the victim here.
Echo is unable to fight back and unable to call 911 to report her own abuse!!!
Colin Grace, legal director of Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL), said they believe House File 737 will help them get Echo out of the home.
The organization has reported that “The Dallas County Attorney has confirmed he has taken the first steps to determine if Echo can be permanently removed from Zac Brooks’ home!”
KCCI spoke with BROOKS on the phone.
He calls the charges against him “ridiculous.”
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.