Tuesday December 22, 2009, 1:01 am
Unedited Copy of PETA's Letter:
Dear Mr. Villalobos:

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing regarding a recent case of cruelty to animals that your office is handling. The case involves Mario Gasca, 18, and Jesus Javier Martinez, 17, of Brownsville. The men face charges stemming from an alleged December 16 incident during which Gasca—who was reportedly angry after he was accused of burglarizing a nearby home—fatally attacked a 9-year-old girl’s puppy. According to officials, Gasca kicked the puppy 15 feet through the air from a running start. Gasca allegedly took another running kick at the crying animal, then reportedly began stabbing the puppy repeatedly in the body and mouth with a pair of garden shears. Martinez reportedly laughed and shouted encouragements as the attack continued. After the attack, Gasca allegedly dumped the animal’s body in a canal.

Mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider animal abuse to be a red flag. The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as one of the diagnostic criteria for conduct disorders, and the FBI uses reports of animal abuse in analyzing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Experts agree that it is the severity of the behavior—not the species of the victim—that matters.

On behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in Texas, we respectfully ask that, if convicted, the accused be required to undergo (in addition to serving a period of incarceration) a thorough psychological evaluation followed by mandatory counseling (and anger-management classes, if applicable) at their own expense. The safety of the community may depend on it. Given the violent and sadistic nature of their alleged actions—and because repeat crimes are the rule rather than the exception among animal abusers—we implore your office to take every measure necessary to ensure that the defendants, if convicted, be prohibited from contact with animals for as long as possible and that all animals who may be in their respective charges be immediately seized.

Thank you for your diligence in this matter and for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Tuesday December 22, 2009, 1:16 am
thanks Simone

Tuesday December 22, 2009, 1:18 am
Thanks Simone, noted!

Tuesday December 22, 2009, 3:22 am
This is the actions of a rapist, a murderer. Put him away for good.

Tuesday December 22, 2009, 7:02 am
without serious intervention, these killers will most likely target humans next time around, I'd prefer they be dropped in a pool of crocodiles, but that's just me......thanks Simone

Wednesday December 23, 2009, 6:29 pm
COUNSELLING???? How about a full lock up psych evaluation and some on site councelling?

Wednesday December 23, 2009, 6:30 pm
I swaer I just dont know about PETA anymore... next they might suggest Micheal Vick be the counselor!

Thursday December 24, 2009, 8:32 am
prison time is what this piece of garbage needs

Sunday December 27, 2009, 6:20 am
i`d prefer them put away in a psychiatric inst, they`re a danger to society.