D.C. man accused of beating, killing pit bull-type dogs

Porter was found in the woods with large significant wounds, two broken femurs, a displaced jaw and missing several teeth.

A District of Columbia man has been accused of killing at least three dogs while illegally training them to fight, according to the Washington Humane Society.

Charles Palmer, 35, was arrested on numerous charges of cruelty to animal as part of a 20-month investigation.

The charges involve 10 dogs. Three of the dogs died at the hands of Palmer, police said. Two dogs were rescued by WHS officers. The location of the five other dogs is unknown.

Charles Palmer

The investigation began in April after witnesses told police they saw Palmer beat a pit-bull type dog, slam the animal to the ground, take him into the woods, and exit the woods with the leash. Officers discovered the dog, now named Porter, two days later with large significant wounds, two broken femurs, a displaced jaw and missing several teeth.

Over the nearly two year investigation, officers were called to Palmer’s address numerous times by neighbors who alleged that he has killed at least three dogs between 2011 and 2013.

In June, offices were called to Palmer’s address , where they found another dog that had a broken front leg, broken femoral, broken toe and two lacerations to her head.

Palmer was arrested this week and charged with five felony counts of cruelty to animals and five misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals, and assault with significant bodily injury,  assault, and one count of destruction of property.

The felony animal cruelty charges each carries a maximum of five years in prison, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

Dog shot 4 times, left for dead in District alley

A dog was shot four times and left for dead in an alley in Northeast D.C., and the Washington Human Society is offering a reward for information that leads to a conviction.

Buster

Buster, an adult brown and white pit bull type of dog, was found July 24 in the alley behind his home in the 300 block of 54th Street NE.

The animal had been shot in the face and chest with a .38 caliber handgun.

Officers believe Bust was shot the night before and was left to die for 15 hours before he was discovered. Due to the severity of the gunshot wounds and the significant loss of blood, Buster was euthanized, authorities said.

Washington Human Society is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this act of animal cruelty.

Anyone with information about this case can contact the Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Department: dderamo@washhumane.org or (202) 723-5730.