UPDATE: Dog Remains in Custody of Alleged Abuser!

Update (September 15, 2026): After sharing this alert with you over the summer, authorities contacted PETA, reassuring us that the matter was under investigation and that they would provide an update once more information became available. PETA removed the alert from our website at their request. Unfortunately, they have declined to share any updates since that time (or even acknowledge our multiple attempts to contact them), and, to our knowledge, the dog remains in danger. Please continue to speak up!

Original text:

Sickening footage just provided to PETA, and captured within an residence reportedly on West Battlefield Street in Springfield, MO, depicts an unhinged man repeatedly punching a small dog in the face with full force, picking the dog up by the head/neck and menacingly shouting “Shut it!” into her ear, then throwing her onto the ground where she promptly scrambles into a crate. The dog can be heard whimpering in obvious fear and pain throughout the hellish ordeal. Footage of the attack is below. Viewer discretion is advised. Allegedly, this behavior is frequent, with a professed witness claiming to have seen multiple attacks per month, including choking this dog, slamming her onto the ground, throwing her, and kicking her. Unsurprisingly, we’re told the dog cowers when the owner approaches her.

Reportedly, despite authorities being aware of the case, this dog remains where she is allegedly being abused. PETA urgently requested assurance that this case will be prioritized, but after multiple attempts at contact we were told only that the matter is “under investigation.” Not good enough. Please lend your voice by politely contacting Springfield-Greene County Animal Control and urging them to intervene right away.

Note that it is important to remain polite and professional, as rude correspondence can hinder our efforts!

Email: [email protected]

Call the Health Department, who oversees Animal Control, at 417-864-1658. Dial 0 to speak with a representative, and ask to be connected with Senior Animal Control Officer Heather Kellough.

Call Animal Control at 417-833-3592 and dial 3 for their dispatch. Please note you will likely be on a lengthy hold and eventually transferred to a voicemail box, if so please leave a message.

Comment on their Facebook page, or send them a message: