- On Monday, September 18, 2017, Chandler police officers responded to the area of McQueen Road and Warner Road for the report of an injured dog. When officers arrived, they found a three-year-old female dog named Panda with a severe laceration to her throat.
- After police located Panda, she was turned over to the Arizona Humane Society for treatment. The American Pit Bull Terrier mix, now known as Juno by shelter staff, remains in the custody of AHS and is recovering from a recent surgery in AHS’ Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital™.
- The cut on Panda’s throat was just millimeters from her jugular, and she was extremely lucky to be found alive. Dr. Thompson, the Supervising Veterinarian at AHS’ trauma hospital, performed the life-saving surgery and Panda remains under the care of AHS’ medical team where she continues to receive frequent bandage changes.
- As this is an ongoing investigation, our focus right now is on Panda’s medical care as well as assisting law enforcement on this case. We will provide updates as they become available.
- Those with any information are encouraged to contact Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS (948-6377). Silent Witness and AHS are offering a reward up to $2,000 for information that leads to the arrest or indictment of a suspect(s).
12 News, 3TV, FOX 10, ABC 15, Univision: Silent Witness Reward Offered for Dog Found with Throat Cut in Chandler
UPDATE 10/18/17: Adopted!
We are thrilled to announce that Panda has been adopted! After spending a few weeks recovering in an AHS Foster Hero’s home, this sweet girl has proven to love her humans unconditionally. Best of luck to you and your new furmily, Panda!
News Highlights:
12 News
3TV
FOX 10
ABC 15
Univision
East Valley Tribune
Dog’s slasher a time bomb, police fear
A highly skilled surgeon with the Arizona Humane Society’s Second Chance Animal Trauma Hospital saved Panda, a pit bull mix, after Chandler police found her with a deep, nearly fatal slash to her throat.
Now, authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying Panda’s attacker, a man who may be a time bomb, likely to have harmed people in the past and a threat to do so in the future.
Alison Ferrante, an assistant Mesa city prosecutor, cites a strong body of studies showing the link between animal abuse and violent crime, including domestic violence and murder. Several notorious serial killers are known to have abused pets.
Ferrante, Chandler police Sgt. Dan Mejia and Humane Society spokesman Bretta Nelson all say whomever attacked Panda to within an inch of her life is a dangerous person. They know this person needs to be identified and prosecuted. They are asking for the public’s help, with clues about the attacker’s identity very limited.