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RivCo Family Claims Neighbor Killed Dog by Cramming Hose Down Throat

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is investigating the alleged animal cruelty case.

A family living in the unincorporated area near Lake Elsinore tells officials that their dog died after a neighbor shoved a water hose down its throat in what's being called a "neighbor versus neighbor" dispute.

"They murdered our dog," said Jane Ray, the family pet's owner. "It was hateful."

According to Riverside County Department of Animal Services Spokesman John Welsh, the 3-year-old female pit bull mix named "Puddles" died Thursday and the department was called out to the scene.

"It is uncertain how the dog died but Puddles had been involved in 'fence fighting' with the neighbor’s dog, according to witness accounts," Welsh said.  "The two dogs were engaged in aggressive acts against each other through a small opening between the two properties."

Welsh said the dog's owner claims the neighbor eventually put a water hose down Puddles’ mouth and, shortly afterward, the dog died.  

Ray alleges the water hose was on when the killing occurred.

"My son and daughter saw it happen," Ray said. "My son tried to get to the faucet while it was happening but he couldn't get past the electronic gate. Water was coming out of 'Pud's' mouth."

"Pud's" was pregnant, she added.  Those puppies did not survive.

“The dog was wet and the water hose was on at some point or another,” Welsh confirmed.  "We have strong suspicion that the animal was hurt on purpose."

According to Ray, the neighbor said, "I'm going to take care of this once and for all. My son and daughter heard him say that." During the alleged attack on Puddles, the neighbor's German Shepherd also kept a hold on the animal's face, Ray said. "She couldn't go anywhere."

Dr. Allan Drusys, Riverside County’s chief veterinarian, said the “dog died under contentious circumstances.”

No arrests have been made in the case, but if the necropsy results determine Puddles died due to an inhumane act, the Department of Animal Services will file an arrest declaration seeking animal-cruelty charges with the Riverside County District Attorney’s office, Welsh said.

That necropsy was performed Friday, though Welsh said it will take several days for the results to come in.

Ray said Puddles was a family pet and got along well with the other canines in the household. Now, those other dogs seem upset and as if "they are saying 'where's Puds'," Ray told Patch.

"She bonded with my daughter's boyfriend and followed him everywhere," Ray added, but admitted that Puddles and the neighbor's German Shepherd often sparred through the fence separating the properties.

Welsh confirmed that animal services has never been called to either home, and Ray said during the nearly two years of living at the location she has not had any altercations with the neighbor.

Neighbor disputes over dogs are common, Welsh said, noting that in many cases they can be avoided with proper fencing that deters canine fighting and barking.

debbie bell November 3, 2012 at 05:04 pm
It is not uncommmon for a pit to be friendly to a housemate dog, but quickly kill a neighbor dog.
I find it odd how dog death is perfectly fine with pit mongers when a neighbor dog dies in a pit bull attack (a pit bull doing precisely what pits were created to do) and when a million too many pits are being born, so pounds are FORCED TO KILL PITS to make room for the next ones coming in the front door, but suddenly is not ok when an individual pit dies... Most pits are NOT acquired as companions, but rather as weapons, for status symbols, for fighting, or for the vicarious power and aggression they provide their owners. It is illegal for me to pull a gun on the neighbor on his own property, but I can get away with letting my pit terrorize my neighbor. Because dog welfare is essentially of NO IMPORTANCE to pit owners, pit breeders and pit mongers, most pits are NOT spayed/neutered. It is of no surprise that this dog was pregnant. In our community, most pits are obviously not spayed/neutered, even though it is offered for free by two organizations. The result: pits breeding and dying like flies; they fill our pounds where they MUST die by the ton, to free up space for the next week's influx of homeless, stray, discarded surplus pits. The blame cannot be placed on those of us who believe that the breeding of pits should be outlawed. The dead dogs' blood is on the hands of the pit breeders, pit mongers and pit owners who cause pits to be born in the first place.
dj November 3, 2012 at 06:48 pm
It is because of people like you that give their overrated unwanted opinion about these dogs that they do die, you can't ask for a better loyal dog. Why were you born in the first place to give your unwanted opinion? Your mouth should be outlawed.
Phyllis Ostby November 4, 2012 at 12:42 am
shut up dj, debbie bell is exactly right. I have had a set of 3 pits next to me for just over a year now. the fact that they rush to the fence and growl and snap at me like they want to kill me, doesn't make me love them. it does give me chest pains though. the fact that they get out of that yard and kill a small dog next door and run the streets scaring people,and making me have serious health problems, do not make me forget that there is a leash law. I dont spend days and weeks dwelling on whether it is my fault that the dogs bust out the fence and get into my yard to scare me to death. DOG OWNERS are supposed to keep their dogs in their own yard. the DOG OWNERS are supposed to keep their dogs on leashes, if they HAVE to keep them in public. DOG OWNERS are supposed to provide strong fences so the dogs can not get out and terrorize other people. DOG OWNERS are supposed to practice responsible spading and neutering. I have never bothered anyone, nor have I kept dogs that bothered anyone. I do not deserve these beasts ruining my health, and making me fear for my life. i AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEM
Only my thought November 4, 2012 at 01:58 am
Wow u need a academy award for these comments! Not only pitbulls charger fences and bark when another dog comes around get over it!
Jack Smith November 4, 2012 at 02:09 am
If your dog poses a danger to your neighbor or a threat to your neighborhood, the dog should be gotten rid of.
dj November 4, 2012 at 03:16 am
Sounds like the neighbor is the one that is dangerous! Who is dead? Who did this to whos dog? I know if it was my neighbor the hose would be down their throat not their dogs. Dogs will be dogs not all of them get along, just like humans they all dont get along either, build a brick wall if it is such a problem! Dont murder a dog no matter what kind it is! I wouldn't call them puds something much worse or file charges make them pay! dj
Felicia Young November 7, 2012 at 08:08 pm
I see many dogs running the streets not just pitbulls. People need to be responsible for what ever breed of dog they have. I have (3) pitbulls they are all nice and fixed and kept in a secure yard.

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Lloyd White June 17, 2013 at 10:41 am
I find it interesting the RG was all over the State of the City luncheon but not interested inRead More printing the questions and issues raised by the Mayor's unsubstantiated claims. We should stop paying any attention to the RG if they aren't interested in what's really happening in Beaumont. I don't subscribe to the RG but it is still delivered to my house every week. Does anyone know how to stop the delivery? I could just pick it up each week and throw it in the trash but then their circulation won't be accurately represented to their advertisers. I'm going to start asking local business to stop advertising in the RG.
Ken June 17, 2013 at 11:47 am
Great idea Lloyd..They dont deliver to the old neighborhoods I guess. I generally pay the 50 centsRead More to see what they DIDNT print.
Washy June 18, 2013 at 04:37 am
Have you tried calling them and asking them to not throw trash in your driveway each Friday.
Tracy Salinas June 18, 2013 at 11:17 am
@Get Mobiled - NO animal should be LEFT or DUMPED anywhere...AGAIN...the owner's lack ofRead More responsibilty and accountability. Yes, times are tough. No, I do not know the exact circumstances. But this horse was FIRSt - let loose on the streets, SECOND - caught and tied to the front of the feed store. Why is the horse THEIR problem? Why is he now MY problem? BECAUSE, my son (an employee of the feed store) believes is RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY, as do I and his father. We took this horse in, not because we needed it (or wanted it) but because it was the RIGHT THING TO DO. THE WRONG THING TO DO was to let it loose in the first place - there are other avenues which could have been taken.
Tracy Salinas June 18, 2013 at 11:25 am
UPDATE on CV (nickname)...a tumor protruding from his right eye was removed yesterday - he now canRead More close the eye completely which, coupled with a fly mask, will keep the flies from laying eggs in his eye (a very nasty thing indeed). He has settled in with a gentle geriatric horse for a companion and is eating well (his weight was not an issue before - he obviously was fed decently). His club hoof causes him quite a lot of discomfort, but he manages to hobble around. A visit from the farrier is nextin line, to see if his discomfort can be aleviated. I don't believe he will ever be a riding horse, but he casts a nice shadow and is gentle and kind to be around. There is a peacefulness that eminates from his very being...
Ellen Carr June 18, 2013 at 11:45 am
Okay, this isn't funny. I just posted a comment and it's gone. My first post was edited now myRead More second post disappears. What's going on?????
Aubreey we Love You!!!
Gina Tenorio (Editor) June 13, 2013 at 02:55 pm
Beautiful! Now this is great news! Thank you both so much for sharing the news of your blessing withRead More the rest of us.
Renee Schiavone (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 02:41 pm
Congrats!
Kathleen Mccrary June 10, 2013 at 03:50 pm
THIS ADD WAS WRITTEN WRONG SORRY.LOL THE ONE ABOVE IT IS THE CORRECT ADD.
Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.
Renee Schiavone (Editor) June 10, 2013 at 10:59 am
Great photo, Julie... thanks for sharing!
Ben June 11, 2013 at 02:04 pm
Niki- yes the plans have been updated to allow Banning and Yucaipa to share in the use of the newRead More ponds. It is an inter-agency plan that is beneficial to everyone. Why you consider having other entities share this project, which bonds us all together: they are paying to help build the new area so we, as ratepayers aren't hit with the whole bill, and we are going to finally get some recycled water into use from Yucaipa, Banning gets new wells, and no matter what- we have ultimate control over the use at all times- how that is a horror story I can't figure out. These plans were in the works for years, it was no secret. Its now being finalized by the board- as the details are now ironed out. The only horror story I see happening is how Beaumont refuses to make an agreement with the district to utilize their recycled water- and its not all the water district's fault like you think. Beaumont can't build unless they find some new sources of water. One of the reasons they pulled out is once they update their wastewater facility- they don't plan on wasting that recycled water just on landscaping . They are going to dump it into the basin itself for the water credit. Beaumont residents have no clue that their drinking water will eventually be more wastewater than water coming down the mountain. Sorry- but I think Fraser is doing a great job. If he hadn't got in there, the district would belong to Beaumont, who would take all the water they want regardless of impact studies, and siphon off all the money for their own uses. Guess you missed their lawsuit in the courts- the courts laughed them out. Beaumont is broke. The water district is financially sound.
Niki Magee June 13, 2013 at 01:54 pm
Ben, it is unfortunate you are the victim of such serious misinformation. I thought I knew everyoneRead More at last night's BCVWD meeting. Who were you?
Claire Frémont June 15, 2013 at 09:59 am
I'm curious, Niki, what misinformation are you speaking of concerning Ben's comment? He appears toRead More be stating information that I've read about also. Beaumont did sue to try and take over the water district, they did get a cease and desist order to stop dumping their wastewater into the aquifer, and have pulled out of all negotiations with the district to supply them with recycled water. The district has made the arrangements instead with Yucaipa to take their water, with the hopes that someday Beaumont will come around. All these things are in agendas and downloads available to the public, which part are you disputing?