On Monday, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA released information about a disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty which resulted in fatal injuries to a young dog in California who is believed to have been intentionally scalded in hot water. According to the agency, a two-year-old dog named “Sprocket,” was brought to a veterinarian on May 1 for treatment of severe burns covering 40 percent of his body.
Despite veterinary care, the young poodle mix did not survive his injuries, which are believed to have been inflicted a week earlier. Expert veterinary opinion revealed that the dog was likely the victim of intentional burning – not accidental like his Ba7 Area owners, Shelby Lujan and her boyfriend, Paul Souter, claim.
Ken White, president of Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, commented on the heinous incident:
The details of this case are horrific. After the scalding, the poor dog endured days of horrendous suffering. We hope our investigation will provide the evidence needed to bring Sprocket justice, and ensure that his owners are unable to hurt any other animals.
Lujan and Souter claim that a cup of boiling water accidentally fell onto Sprocket’s crate while he was inside – an expert forensic veterinarian believes that the burn pattern was consistent with the dog being lowered or placed in a scalding liquid.
According to NBC Bay Area, Souter is facing felony counts of maliciously and intentionally wounding an animal and failure to provide care to an animal. The case has been referred to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office and a hearing date has been set. Shelby Lujan has been released on bail. Paul Souter is in custody.
PHS/SPCA is a private, independent, non-profit animal welfare organization for San Mateo. Its Humane Investigations Department, which is funded entirely by donations from caring individuals, led the investigation. About Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is a private, open-door, not-for-profit animal welfare organization.
