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Soldiers Taunt Crippled Dog in Iraq - * May Be Disturbing to Some*


Animals  (tags: )

Alf
- 1120 days ago - liveleak.com
If this is the behaviour soldiers are spreading in Iraq then they need to be brought home NOW! This is sick!! These are not men, they are pathetic and cruel!
Comments

ABC De (78)
Tuesday January 16, 2007, 8:02 pm
I barely know what to say.... how horrible!! Our own citizens in a foriegn land... taunting and hurting a crippled dog.....!!!! Then the balls to laugh about it.... on camera!! F'ers!!! Who do I write to?
 

Leonor Andrade E Silva (219)
Tuesday January 16, 2007, 9:50 pm
This should be on the main page and spread out! What a shame...I agree with the author;this is sick!
 

Monika V. (150)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:00 am
Please contact your federal senators and representatives and demand an investigation into this atrocious and cowardly act, and demand that the slobs in uniform be brought to justice.

To find contact information for your federal representative, go to: http://www.house.gov/ and enter your zip code.

To find contact info for your federal senators, go to: http://www.senate.gov/ and use the drop down box to select your home state.


 

colleen o'brien (230)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:20 am
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM. YOU HAVE HIS PICTURE . . . . .

GO FOR IT

 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:55 am
Thanks, Alf. I really, with all my heart and soul, hope these soldiers get thier legs blow off. Then my greatest wish would be to visit them in a Vetern's hospital with a video camera, point and laugh hysterically like a moron, claiming it to be, "THE FUNNIEST THING I'VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE!" ....bastards...
 

Terri K. (16)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:00 am
What's worng with people? This is sad.
 

Ria S. (13)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:07 am
BASTARDS.
 

Laurie Cares Wolfe (335)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:55 am
Well it is abvious who the soldiers were and they should be punished somehow!!
That is pure and simple wrong. And it doesn't matter the dog didn't ask to llive in Iraq so he should not have been mistreated at all for NO REASON AT ALL!!
 

Mary Cook (513)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:13 am
"It is a man's sympathy with all creatures that truly makes him a man. Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace." ~Albert Schweitzer

Who do I need to contact in the military to pursue investigation and charges? Need details...

Chris
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:35 am
what cowardly bastards! The dog was in horrible pain and they were laughing - the poor dog, I hope he is not in pain any longer.
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:47 am
we should send the footage to CNN
 

Carrieanne H. (102)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:13 am
that is so sad to see those guys are so siick and need to be disaplined
 

Blackcat Prowl (165)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:16 am
Dumb-asses.
 

Blackcat Prowl (165)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:16 am
Dumb-asses.
 

Elizabeth F. (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:31 am
You would think that these soldiers would have more concern for this innocent dog being in a country where there are no morals. This is not sad, this just shows just how little life means to even some of our solders. I guess you don't have to say much, this video shows it all!
 

Alf I. (246)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:37 am
I just got more!! This is not an iscolated case I'm afraid.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1519439699
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=1668090721
Something seriously needs to be done about this. Americans taxes are paying for those bullets and this torture of innocent creatures!!!!
 

Alf I. (246)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:50 am
Some places to submit news to. If anyone knows of any big ones please post them so we can get this out there.

info@civicinfo.bc.ca
pics@reuters.com
http://www.videonewscaster.com/login.php
 

Joycey B. (706)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:24 am
I am appalled at what these man have done. It's obvious this poor dog has suffered enough in it's life already. I am going to write everyone I can, so they are punished for this cruel act. A bunch of cowards picking on a crippled dog. They are not soldiers, they are losers. Thanks for this story Alf.
 

Niall Leighton (41)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:41 am
It's wrong, but it's no worse than what American soldiers are doing to humans in Iraq:
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2004/11/303443.shtml
http://www.counterpunch.org/barghouti11172004.html

(and others!)

Of course, in the US you don't get told about this, since you get no international news beyond what NewsCorp wants you to know!
 

Niall Leighton (41)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:45 am
and this link:
http://www.tvnewslies.org/html/iraq_war_crimes.html
 

Anneke K. (126)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:10 am
Horrible to see this dog in pain.

They are BASTARDS
 

elle v. (332)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:20 am
BASTARDS
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:31 am
god dam it */!@#$%& soliders call themselves working for us. The US should be embarrassed to have them in their fight. They shoudl die from the people living in Iraq!!!!
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:58 am
Just goes to show you the mentality of these so-called "peacekeepers". These aren't men . They're kids. Desensitised , delusional kids whose minds have been warped by the pointless violence of Bush's war. Enough of this.
 

Debbie L. (175)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 7:07 am
I am sick to my stomach from watching this.How Cruel can someone be to torment an animal in such a state of pain an anguish. Cruel and horrific. Made me cry to see this, that poor dog WHY!!!!!!! Makes me so upset and angry, ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!
 

MARY L. (164)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 7:24 am
All I can do is cry. The shame these soliders familes must feel if anything!. Poor soul has he not suffered enough! God leave the kids alone their in a war field already and to be picked on because they are different is pathetic

Mary & Becker
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 7:59 am
I say hang 'em high like they did Saddam, fair is fair. Debbie H. , you hit the nail on the head lady. I guess they see the dog as another Iraqi, rather than an innocent animal who was thrust into war by humans who are too stupid to solve problems without killing. It is sickening and shameful. We learn our history so that we can avoid repeating it, right? What we are doing is the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result, and that my dear friends, is the definition of insanity!
 

john g. (55)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 8:42 am
It is really pathetic that people think that animals don't have feelings as humans do. Animal abuse should be a crime just as if you are abusing people. Animals depend on us to help them, NOT abuse them!!! It's a good thing I am not there!
 

Lisa P. (119)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 8:59 am
I hope these sorry excuses of soldiers step on a landmine and become crippled. Then when we see of video of rocks being thrown at them and see them forced to run from the assault on their hands only, we can all get a good laugh out of it. Sorry.....I have no compassion for assholes like these and I hope what goes around, comes around to bite them in the ass.
 

Charlene S. (73)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 9:01 am
I am sending this to my senators and every one of us should send it to the president,vice president, defense secretary................anyone you can think of. Here I have been praying for their safe return and the idiots are torturing animals. Pisses me royally!
 

Black Cat (106)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 9:28 am
I noted What is wrong with people.Animals have feelings just like people.
 

SUE TURNER (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 9:51 am
WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THIS IS SMALL SAMPLE OF OUR SOLDIERS. THERE ARE IGNORANT PEOPLE ALL OVER AND NOT JUST IN AMERICA, ALL OVER THE WORLD. THESE JUST GOT CAUGHT. I DO AGREE THAT SOMEONE IN THE GOVERMENT SHOULD BE NOTIFIED OF THIS. IT'S WRONG TO LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS. I PRAY THAT SOME HAS MERCY ON THEM IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THEM. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.
 

Jennie B. (3)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:14 am
I agree with you Susan that they should be punished for their actions. I think they are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - after all most of them have been taken away from their families put into a war zone and told to KILL< KILL< KILL and that is what they do best and then their time there keeps getting extended. They are told to support their Commander in Chief no matter how stupid and unrealistic his decisions may be. These are kids for the most part and this is a symptom of "falling apart" of being away from family too long, of being in an unreal situation that most of us can not even imagine unless we are vets of other wars, a life of deprivation of love, happiness, fun, every day living - in fear of dying every minute before you can return to your family and kids and they know they are fighting a useless war based on lies. That does things to the mind. Does that make brutalizing dogs or people o.k.? No, it does not. The fault lies with the leaders of our country. They put these people in a war cage that is too narrow, too impossible to live in and told them to stay way past the limit for any human being. Why be surprised when will and nerve is brokend? These people need to come home and the first thing they need is counseling - help to deal with adapting to a society in which killing, dying, hate, people who don't care about you, separation from those who love you is not an every day thing. PTSD needs treatment not derision. These men are sick. The military unfortunately will not help them. It probably won't even punish them. I believe they are acting out against a war they do not want to be a part of - they want to come home and they have been told not to speak again the Commander in Chief who they know is the problem. It has to come out someway and so this poor dog paid the price for this twisted war and twisted administration on that particular day. Bring them home NOW and if this President will not see reason, there are steps that need to be taken before he ruins more lives than he has already.
 

Tracy C. (37)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:16 am
I can only say, as an American, I am appauled and embarrassed and so terribly, terribly sorry for the behavior of these soldiers. Please, my International brethern, please do not judge all Americans based on the actions of these few.

These soldiers need to be punished and quickly. This is inexcusable.
 

liz sands (50)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:19 am
noted
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:24 am
Oh, puh-LEEZE, people ... don't you realize that the military "boot camps" don't teach kindness and diplomacy, they teach our young people who to mame, kill, torture other people and pillage their lands!
 

Anna Laura (147)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:40 am
How low a man can go...
 

Ngo Thye Aun (29)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:46 am
Oh my god. This is so terrible and I am pissed! And some more the person behind his camera can laugh! I am so mad!
 

Anne T. (209)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:54 am
Words fail me !!!!!
 

Denise Jo (247)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:58 am
This is horrible. I couldn't watch it. They need to be punished...
 

Gran Pat (239)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:09 am
i could NOT watch the video, sorry. but i take it from all the comments above, that it is indeed horrible. can we send this to CNN? or has it been sent???? i think this needs to be told to the media.
 

Gran Pat (239)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:26 am
i just watched it, and one of the soldiers said... 'ya wanna go ahead and kill it???". i just submitted it to CNN, so let's see what they do about it.....it's disgusting, and shows nooooo sense of compassion, and CNN may trash it, but as of now...right now...it's 1:21 CST January 17th, in texas. duly note that ladies and let's see if they pick it up on the news.......goood note, ALF...also, patt, i was in the navy, and i was not taught how to pillage, maim or torture others. i was on the rifle honor guard in boot camp, and served on honor team. i served in an administrative capacity on several bases. i know the marines, and army are taught that, but not women in the navy. of course, that was waaaaaay back during the vietnam conflict, and there was a lot of bullets flying then, napalm...etc. but i personally.......was not involved w/any killing of any individual. i probably would NOT have gone in if that had been the case. just to let ya know. :-)
 

Water Dragon (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:28 am
I've seen the videos twice and was crying. Why? It wasn't even bothering htem. That shows how ruthless and mean these bastards are.They don't care about human life so why should they care about this innocent creature? I can't believe how disgusting and evil people are. I've tried to send it to Cnn, but is doesn't work. PLEASE LET"S GET THE VIDEO OUT THERE ONE YOUTUBE AND CNN, only when people know can they stop it
 

Patricia H. (96)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:43 am
I couldn't watch it. Something needs to be done, but with all the crap going on over there, do you think anyone is going to care about a crippled dog? Sadly, I think that nothing will be done to these a-hole soldiers. I hope so, but I doubt it.
 

Luisa S. (135)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:47 am
I'M IN TEARS ! I CAN'T STOP CRYING ! THAT POOR PUP ! IT HAS TO LIVE IN A WAR ZONE, (MAYBE THAT'S HOW IT GOT THAT WAY), IT'S HUNGRY, SCARED, AND LONELY, PLUS HAS TO BE TREATED SO CRUELY !
AND IT WASN'T EVEN DOING ANYTHING BUT BEING CURLED UP IN A BALL ON THE DIRT....ALONE !

JUST TEARS ROLLING DOWN MY FACE !! GOD PLEASE HELP THIS PUP AND ALL OTHERS !! PLEASE !!
 

White Wolf H. (474)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:48 am
ALF........First off I would like to say that for such a brief video there seems to be someone wanting to propose that the soldiers were attacking the dog for no apparent reason. But why did they not show on the video what happened before the stones were thrown at the dog? Perhaps the dog was attacking them ? You see there are many different views to this. I am one that wants all the facts before I come to a conclusion. I suppose there are alot of people that can be mislead. But I am NOT one of those people!!!!
 

Colleen Stadnick (140)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:52 am
There are sick people all over this world. Just because they are "soldiers" it doesn't mean they are brave and strong. These guys are pathetic and weak. Of courese I'm probably saying what y'all are thinking. Just so cruel- it is hard to watch. I hope someone helped out that poor creature. And I also hope that this footage will get around and eventually their superior officers will get a look. They should be court maritialed IMHO, but it won't happen, I'm sure.
 

Arlene Robins (503)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 11:57 am
how horrible and cruel thing to do i had tears. What`s up with the soldiers how could they? they are dirty evil bastards. We must get this video out to show what`s going on.
 

Kim K. (314)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:01 pm
Noted
 

Scott Cooper (35)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:16 pm
This is the tragic consequence of the de-humanization of both the "enemy" and our own poor soldiers. They are in conditions that have been deliberately allowed to degenerate into total chaos. They are locked in a fight with our Government and they don't even know it..It's Fanatical Policy not Fanatical Muslims that threatens our troops.
 

Elaine S. (77)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:20 pm
Noted but just couldn't watch it... :'(
Sadistic Sickos! Grrrr....
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:20 pm
I forwarded this to over 450 people. I CANNOT believe that I am getting responses that justify the actions of these soldiers. As if the dog had done something really terrible. This is like the guy who beats his wife...then everybody asks what the wife did to deserve it!!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! A clear cut case of animal abuse, and some people are trying to justify it. This world has gone so mad, I no longer believe that pleading, protesting or signing petitions is going to make any difference what-so-ever...
 

Jessie Cross (300)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:28 pm
They are acting true to form - they are used to killing people so they wouldn't bother about a poor dog suffering - that is what war teaches you - not to care at all about ANY form of life.
 

Monika V. (150)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:49 pm
New release in PETA!!!!
http://www.peta.org/MC/NewsItem.asp?id=9433

Online Video Shows Soldiers’ Throwing Rocks, Laughing at Seriously Injured Dog

For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2007

Contact:
David Perle 757-622-7382

Baghdad — A disturbing video allegedly taken from a CD found in Baghdad’s Green Zone apparently shows American soldiers’ throwing rocks at a crippled dog and laughing as the dog hobbles away on two legs. "That is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life," one person is heard saying. "You wanna go over and kill it?" asks another. The identities of the soldiers shown in the video footage are unknown, which is why PETA is offering as much as $5,000 for information identifying and locating the men involved.

Pointing out that all cruelty-to-animals cases—even those that take place in a war zone—must be taken seriously, PETA is calling for a criminal investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be court-martialed if they are found to be in the military.

According to leading mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to humans and other animals. Steven D. Green, the former soldier accused of orchestrating the murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family, had previously set a puppy on fire and threw the animal off a roof, according to testimony at his alleged coconspirators’ court-martial hearing.

"The men in this video are a disgrace to their unit and to their country," says PETA Foundation staffer William Rivas-Rivas, a former Navy officer and a Persian Gulf veteran. "They are cowards, taking their aggression out on the most defenseless being available to them. The ‘best of the best’ don’t behave like cruel, bullying thugs."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact PETA’s Domestic Animal Abuse department at DAWR&I--PETA@peta.org or 757-622-7382, extension 8037.

Video footage of the incident can be viewed at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7. For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

'


 

Judianne D. (267)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:57 pm
This has made me sick to my stomach. That poor dog stood no chance against them at all and how cruel as it appeared that the dog was already injured. Does not make me proud of those soldiers at all!! Is there anything we can do about this inhumane treatment?
 

Dee W. (31)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 12:57 pm
This video should be required viewing for every citizen who gives blanket sanction to their governments to enact their juvenile war games by raining terror and mayhem on innocents for fun. People should understand fully exactly the whole ramifications of what they allow the governments to do on their behalf because within a coin flip that behaviour can easily be enacted on them. People who think this disgusting behaviour is alright are headed straight for the cosmic garbage dump because they have no hearts.
 

Lisa M. (25)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:03 pm
What kind of people can see that video and think that "maybe" the soldiers were justified in doing what they did?? The video shows the dog curled up in the dirt laying STILL, l UNTIL the soldiers start throwing rocks at it. Who could possibly think this dog was attacking the soldiers and deserved its treatment? How does a dog so severely crippled that it has to hobble away, attack two soldiers? Come on. This is CLEARLY an act of animal abuse and it is caught on tape. Certainly the identiies of these soldiers can be found and they can be brought up on charges.

I don't want those soldiers on my side. They are not even capable of enough feeling to urge them to help, rather than hurt, a creature that is so wounded. May they be paid back in the same manner.
 

Isma Whitewolf (581)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:07 pm
I made the decision not to see the film , as it would make me sick for a long time. Yes, war can make people cruel and loosing their moral. It is time for them to come home .
 

Ginnie L. (62)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:10 pm
This is an appalling video. It's so funny to torture a crippled dog they had to make a video. These men should pay for thier cruelty! I hope PETA finds out who they are!

 

Lil Judd (70)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:10 pm
This is so sick. The soldiers should all be punished for such behavior - throwing rocks at the poor dog & LAUGHING at it's dilemma. Then speaking about killing it while laughing. Sick Sick Sick. If these are any representation of who's over there representing the US - no wonder US is hated so.
 

Jessie Cross (300)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:12 pm
Just in case anyone thought that what I said was meant to 'explain' the actions of the soldiers - it does not!! They are bastards but what can I say - I am just so sick at heart for all the dead, injured, crippled caused by this damned war I cannot even react anymore. More than 600,000 CIVILIANS have been killed since this war was started: women, children, old and young people - people who just wanted to get on with their lives, snuffed out by the whim (or greed) of a few and with many sheep following the leader. And so it goes on - no respite but after all this time and all these dead maybe some doubts are now insinuating themselves into the minds even of the most ardent supporters of this war - but maybe also for all the wrong reasons. I don't know anymore - I am sick and tired - but mostly tired.
 

Yvonne Mendes Siblini (201)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:14 pm
And they want to increase the US soldiers there.
 

Dennis A. (209)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:15 pm
I agree that PSTD probably has something to do with the soldiers' behavior - but it doesn't excuse it. After all, other soldiers are suffering from the same thing, and they aren't acting out in this manner. Upbringing has something to do with it, too. Some people were *ssholes before putting on a uniform and grabbing a weapon.
While there is no law being broken by being an *sshole and throwing dirt, etc at a crippled dog, military code is nebulous enough that they should be able to charge them with something. I hope they do.

Oh, and to set the record straight for those who have never served their country (Patt): boot camp doesn't teach how to maim and torture and pillage. Kids learn that from their peers while their parents are too busy to bother parenting. No, boot camp teaches one how to survive when bullets are whizzing past one's head. It teaches one how to follow orders in a way that won't get one or another sent home in a body bag. I wish that our President hadn't sent our young men and women overseas, but he did. Now, all I can hope for is that they remember the training they received so they can come home safe and sound, despite current policy.
Soldiers have a choice of prison and the ruination of their life (and the lives of their loved ones) or to obey and answer the call to duty. That's it. There's no third option. Respect them for making the choice to endure Hell so that their husbands/wives/children can have it better than they do.
 

Lois Peruzzi (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:19 pm
It is so sad to see anyone harm or taunt an innocent animal and to see a soldier who is supposed to be helping to protect human lives,taunting a badly injured animal who certainly needed his help is so disgusting and sad. These men should not be soldiers and I personally would not want them defending me.Jeanie
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:23 pm
HEHEHEHEHE Get em PETA!!!
http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=96&pst=594643

and yes I sent the footage to CNN this morning and sent the story to everyone in my address book!
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:24 pm
People with PTSD dont LAUGH while they are having an attack.
 

Sandra W. (42)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 1:39 pm
so cruel...i dont think they have any morals...sick they make me sick laughin like that!!!! that poor dog in so much pain it couldnt even use its back legs and them laughin at it cryin out!!! they need to be punished!
 

Jason B. (84)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:05 pm
We sure set a good example, another reason to hate the USA
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:07 pm
An outrage! I contacted both of my senators about this.
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:16 pm
Well the American soldiers in Iraq and other countries have been known to be cruel to humans,beating them, taunting them, raping them, etc....It doesn´t surprise me that they do this to such a pure and innocent creature...I´m not saying that all American soldiers are like this, but they are acquiring a bad reputation....
Of course they should be punished...I am against any form of violence, but seeing this video made my blood boil...To have so little respect for another creature is just pure sick and pure evil....
 

Frosso Zografou (2)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:19 pm
i hope someone make them feel the same way when they are hit and in pain i hope someone kill them by mistake
 

Niall Leighton (41)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:20 pm
I don't beleive the naivete I'm seeing here.

American and British soldiers are committing WAR CRIMES out there and getting away with it. do you really think your senators are going to give an airborne casual conjugation for a dog?
 

Wolfweeps Pommawolf (239)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:23 pm
I could'nt get through the video because even as a caregiver, and I see the results of terrible things everyday, I just can't immerse myself to get through something that just ends up tearing through me emotionally. See, there are those of us that just can't get jaded by witmessing cruelity...it is pain and still hurts to see.
In the early 1990's, I was in college in my second year as a 32 yr. old mother. I took an "Interdisplinary Course" that entailed the Topic: "What is a Just War?". It was not the thing I wanted to immerse myself in, but because I loved to read and write I took the course to expand my mind. And did it ever. We covered war from the earliest date to present day at the time. Changed my mind, life, perception and point of view forever more....
The most powerful book that I read that quarter was "The Things they Carried"; by Tim O'Brien.
It moved me in so many ways that I am not the same peron that entered that class at the beginning of the quarter. It even changed the way I parented our children.
The main story is more or less about that the soldiers carry certain things in their packs when heading into combat, but they carry entirely differnt things back home from war. That is if they are lucky to get to come home at all.
War changes soldiers, both sides or many sides, and it changes them forever. But the fact remains that cruelity should never be apart of that change. If you lose your humanity, you lose everything, even the respect for any life that is lost. These soldiers should be NOT torturing these animals for amusement or stress relief. They should be looking deep within their souls and wondering why they did what they did. To expose their behavior to the world comes right back to why are we even there in the first place. If you can't respect what your fighting for, why are you a soldier if all you claim is the torture an innocent casuality of war? An innocent creature that has known nothing but pain from human kind. What have we become? Where is the personal responsibility for saying enough is enough already? No more war and pain? Even for those that have no voice nor ability to flee war.
To find out more about "The Things They Carried"; by Tim O'Brien,
Visit the following the url:
http://www.bookrags.com/notes/tttc/TOP3.htm

And by the way, there is no excuse for throwing stones at an animal that is huddled in the dirt. That dog was not attacking them, but rather the dog is the victim, no the soldiers. The soldiers laughter is a dead give away. Amusement, instead of compassion. A very vast difference indeed, and I didn't need to watch the whole thing to get the point. The point was heard in their laughter. And a soldier needsnot show just how tough they are by an animals expense.
This whole thing saddens me because humanity makes excuses for cruelity in man, and its just to hard to witness the violence from other human beings.
It just plain hurts to see it.
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:47 pm
Niall,
First of all you´re using the word `conjugation` in the wrong context... It has everything to do with verbs and the exchange of nucelar material and nothing to with what you really wanted to say...Are you sure you´re a proofreader and copywriter=
And secondly I do notice any naiveté here in these messages..I do notice the messages to come from people who show a great deal of compassion and love towards animals... The fact that it is happening in a country where war takes place doesn´t mean it isn´t cruel and that there shouldn´t be anything done about it...It´s just as bad to hurt an animal as it is to hurt a human...It is naive of you to think that people don´t know what´s happening in Iraq....
You´re a vegan for a reason I hope....The vegans who I know are against the mistreatment of animals in any form and are for justice to prevail....I for one am a true animal lover and find this video offensive....That you consider the poeple here who find it horrific naive says more about you than them....
 

Elaine R. (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:51 pm
Fucking bastards. What juvenile and cruel bahavior. That dog may have been injured by an IED. Too bad it wasn't these two soldiers.
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 2:51 pm
Sorry, I meant to say that I don´t notice any naiveté in the messages...And was referring to nuclear material, but that was probably obvious...I did not like the comment made by Niall....
 

Elaine R. (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:00 pm
Well, NIALL, tormenting a crippled animal in obvious pain is a crime, and in this instance, a war crime. Wavke up, Niall, take your head out of the sand; you are the naive one. These are the kind of yokels who will end up doing the same to people if the chance is presented to them.
 

Niall Leighton (41)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:08 pm
Airborne casual conjugation = "flying f*ck". Think about it.

Sorry. it's what we say here when someone really doesn't care about something, and I stand by my observations of the US military and their behaviour in Iraq. Elaine, these people ARE doing the same thing to other humans. The US government and the US media are trying to cover it up.

So complaining to senators about the way soldiers treat dogs is not going to do anything when they ignore it when people complain about the atrocities committed by US troops against humans in Iraq.

Yes, I find this video horrific. The actions of those involved are despicable.

I do not think that anybody in the US high command really cares about dogs when it's OK to use white phosphorus on civilian populations in Fallujah, but I didn't hear major objections about that, because in the US you don't know anything about it. Writing to these fascists about dogs is going to get you nowhere!
 

Elaine R. (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:12 pm
And, Niall, my senators may or may not give a "airborne casual conjugation," but, I won't give a rat's ass for your opinion.
 

Elaine R. (26)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:19 pm
Niall, I know that there are soldiers doing the same thing to people. That was my point. Anyone cruel enough to mistreat an animal most likely will be the type of person who has been, will be, or is abusing people.
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:19 pm
Elaine R. -- I couldn't agree with you more. And I shudder to think of those men coming home.

Niall -- I was not going to respond to your comment, but I can't let it go unanswered. If it's naive to object to wrongdoing, if it's naive to protest the abuse of the defenseless (whether human or animal), if it's naive to make an effort through established channels for redress, then yes, I guess some of us, including myself, are naive. If your problem is simpy that we're not ranting and raving about the war ... well, maybe we have done that as well, in other venues, but you wouldn't know that, would you? That said, I think it's pretty arrogant of you to assume that people you don't even know are naive based on your interpretation of a one line statement.

Cathleen -- when Niall says "an airborne casual conjugation" he's using Britspeak for "a flying f*ck". In other words, he doesn't think our senators give a damn. Apparently nobody gives a monkey's ass, except for him.
 

ME T. (471)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:21 pm
Thankfully, I believe the disgraceful behavior of these ‘soldiers’ represent only a tiny fraction of the fine men and women over there. It is extremely disturbing to see anyone delight in the suffering of any living creature. This dog was obviously in severe distress and ill health and what was done was a heartless act. I am also very disturbed to hear one of them make the remark at the end about ‘killing the dog’! I have to wonder how their family and friends here at home would feel about seeing them doing this.

I do want to add that there are many videos of ‘soldiers’ caring for abandoned and injured animals, so to me the ones that participated in both the attack on the dog and the one taping it, truly are the exceptions but I do worry that if they can so easily be this callous towards a sick injured animal, what other types of suffering would they ‘enjoy’.
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:22 pm
Well actually I think Niall has a point. Our senators probably wont listen but if we get in onto CNN the whole world can see it and then let them deal with the criticism. All it would take is getting it on the air, and I will bet a dollar to a donut JUSTICE will me made for that poor dog!
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:29 pm
And there is one legislative leader who will listen and take action - his name - DENNIS KUCINICH
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:45 pm
Free cruelty. Disgusting. And supposedly they are "Human" beings but how inhumane they have been for this poor helpless friend. You can be ugly, poor, and / or sick but your dog is the best friend you'll ever have, he will never let you down and will give his own life to protect you.
Shame on these soldiers!
 

Sammantha L. (126)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:45 pm
this is an example of the horrors that result from the desentitisation of war. The mind set in war is vicious. This is just sickening. However, I have heard about soldiers who have adopted dogs that have wandered in near them, as well. I hope CNN shows the video, but so much horror has been overlooked in Bush's America, that this is one more repulsive thing in a long list of hideous acts.
 

Catherine G. (90)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:49 pm
Thanks Monika for your information and thank God for Peta.
l have emailed everyone l know about this,
l also plan to take this issue to the news.
Hope others will do the same.
 

ME T. (471)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:56 pm
Even though I personally want and would love to see disciplinary actions taken for this, there is very little to no chance any will be taken. This would not be considered a criminal act and even though most of us here see it as blatant abuse of this dog, the video did not show anything that would LEGALLY be determined as ‘physically injuring’ this dog. I can only hope they did not follow the dog and continue in this, but I am also maybe even more concerned with their lack of compassion for a living creature in desperate need of medical attention as well as concerned for any other injured life they come across and how they will treat it.

And again I can only hope that friends and family members of these men see this and care enough to ‘set them straight’ on how disgraceful they acted.
 

Vicki M. (121)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 3:57 pm
Did they kill the poor dog, I could not watch the video?
 

Francesca L. (152)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:31 pm
This is such an awful situation - what has humanity come to? If they can't kill & maim innocent people, then I guess animals are the next to suffer - this is absolutely sickening & is not what 're-building Iraq' is all about. Get the troops out now!! These guys have obviously seen too much death & violence & become desensitised to it all or maybe there is just too much testosterone & machoism racing around inside them.
 

Liam R. (370)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 4:39 pm
absolutely horrible people with no souls.
 

David Gould (147)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:09 pm
We are reminded again about the terrible cruelty of war and how it brutalises all who are involved with it.

We are also reminded that animals are also victims of human wars...innocent victims like so many others.

It is hard to envisage a worse bit of film about the callous nature of soldiers on active duty.

If battle hardened men find a cripple so funny when it has been caught up in a war...then they must be losing their war.

Sickening is too kind a word!
 

Sandra W. (42)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:19 pm
i still have those images in my head....my heart cries out for that poor animal.. : ( what is all this teconolagy good for if we can't bring justice and law to all living creatures that has been caught on tape being wronged...the press and goverment maybe trying to coverup information to keep us in line but we have our own information and if need be we can spread it pretty quick on the internet...we have to try anyhow ..what else can we do?
 

Gran Pat (239)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:33 pm
i'm back....the video is still there for anyone to look at. i'm not going to make any comments except for the fact that the video shows the torment/abuse/pain to a helpless dog. there,...i said it. i submitted this video this afternoon...and i have not heard anything from cnn. i think if we all rally together....several have gone to their senators in their state...bless you, monika for submission to PETA...and again, kudos to our friends who have love in their hearts and compassion for a little unknown crippled abused dog, thousands of miles away. i cry when i see it. and yes,...niall...war is hell on all of us. it affects us all. i'm not going to go there. keep the subject in mind, there are many platforms as far as the involvement of the u.s. overseas. that is not what this discussion is about....sorry. it's a little dog. nuf said.
 

Karenbee B. (265)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:44 pm
I simply cannot believe how sick these particular soldiers (and I am ashamed to call them that) are. I am going to write and send it to my Rep and Senators. Bush has pushed people to insanity. He is trying to stop a war that has been going on forever. The Sunni's (sp?) are not interested in democracy and never will be. I think that Bush is deranged and needs to be taken out of office. These soldiers should be held accountable for doing this. From the condition of the dog it looks like he was so very seriously injured and the humane thing would have been to put him down if there was nothing they could do to help him. And the day we stop speaking out just because "it's a dog" is a day it's all over.
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:47 pm
Ken, Bu$h doesn't suffer the blame alone ... in a society where most Chri$tian Republican$ actually vote for killing other people in a war, what can you expect?
 

Terrie Karr (105)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 5:54 pm
this made me sick you guys --please who ever started this -thanks for sharring but DO SOMETHING!! This must be reported for animal cruility NOW or what good or we???????
 

Karenbee B. (265)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:25 pm
Just wanted to let those who are interested that I wrote both my Senators and my Rep here in Maine and asked for a response. This is what I wrote: The link below is a sick video moment showing "American Soldiers" in Iraq. I believe they must be held accountable for this atrocity. Have we become so desensitized as to torture an injured animal??? Aren't the lost lives of our men and women enough of a tragedy? Good supporting evidence and another reason to hate America. Please investigate this or tell me how to do it. I want their families to be "proud" of them! And Terrie Karr: You wrote, " who ever started this. . .DO SOMETHING!" I'm assuming you are contacting your State officials and not sitting back waiting for others to do it.
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:30 pm
And the sadistic soldiers TAUGHT TO KILL, MAIM and TORTURE by the American War Machine even videotaped themselves torturing this poor animal ... instead of helping it, instead of picking it up, offeirng osme food and water ... they sadistcally ocntinued to torture this poor creature.

I want them to be PUNISHED!!!
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:41 pm
Terrie, PETA has issued a $5000 reward on their heads. Hopefully the media will pick it up. PETA issued a formal press release.
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 6:42 pm
Simone D.
Simone has received 190 new, 1143 total stars from Care2 membersSimone has been awarded 272 butterflies for taking action at Care2Simone has 791 Golden Notes. Soldiers caught on tape stoning crippled dog, Peta calls for courts-martial and offers $5,000 reward 1:22 PM
SOLDIERS CAUGHT ON TAPE STONING CRIPPLED DOG; PETA CALLS FOR COURTS-MARTIAL AND OFFERS $5,000 REWARD


— A disturbing video allegedly taken from a CD found in Baghdad’s Green Zone apparently shows American soldiers’ throwing rocks at a crippled dog and laughing as the dog hobbles away on two legs. "That is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life," one person is heard saying. "You wanna go over and kill it?" asks another. The identities of the soldiers shown in the video footage are unknown, which is why PETA is offering as much as $5,000 for information identifying and locating the men involved.—even those that take place in a war zone—must be taken seriously, PETA is calling for a criminal investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be court-martialed if they are found to be in the military.http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7. For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.

Online Video Shows Soldiers’ Throwing Rocks, Laughing at Seriously Injured Dog

For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2007

Contact:
David Perle 757-622-7382

Baghdad

Pointing out that all cruelty-to-animals cases

According to leading mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to humans and other animals. Steven D. Green, the former soldier accused of orchestrating the murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family, had previously set a puppy on fire and threw the animal off a roof, according to testimony at his alleged coconspirators’ court-martial hearing.

"The men in this video are a disgrace to their unit and to their country," says PETA Foundation staffer William Rivas-Rivas, a former Navy officer and a Persian Gulf veteran. "They are cowards, taking their aggression out on the most defenseless being available to them. The ‘best of the best’ don’t behave like cruel, bullying thugs."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact PETA’s Domestic Animal Abuse department at DAWR&I--PETA@peta.org or 757-622-7382, extension 8037.

Video footage of the incident can be viewed at
 

Ron Goodman (422)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 7:24 pm
All I can say is sad!! He should be court Marshalled!
 

ME T. (471)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 7:47 pm
Here is a form letter on PETA's site that all you need do is fill in your information

http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/iraq_dog_abuse
Personalized letters always work best. Feel free to use the following text, but your message will carry more weight if you write your own customized message and subject line.

Take Action on This Issue

 

William W. (186)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 9:24 pm
I am appalled,and at a loss for words. I am disgusted with what I just saw! This is the second video I've seen of our soldiers harming animals....and I know there is more that we haven't seen. The first one I saw was of a medic shooting a Sheltie and watching it die slowly....these images will be burned in my brain forever. Is it any wonder that this part of the world hates us! What has happened to my country?!!
 

Linda B. (2413)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:04 pm
I thank you for making me aware of the cruelty ignorant people from our country take against a wounded and scared animal. It brought a river of tears and I could only watch about 5 seconds of it. This is so pathetic. And those who stand idly by and witness this abuse are equally as accountable as the perpetrator himself.

Why is this man so hostile to a creature who never asked to be in the middle of a battle between men? I hate war, so many innocent lives, both human and animals, suffer so.
 

Jeffrey A. (149)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:18 pm

Can't say it enough, DEMAND MANDATORY COMPASSIONATE LIVING COURSES THROUGHOUT ALL LEVELS OF SCHOOL CURRICULA - WORLDWIDE to help end the cruelty embodied in the PSYCHOLOGY OF MEAT!

I'm convinced that's where it comes from.
 

Ali Hirst (323)
Wednesday January 17, 2007, 10:19 pm
Lost for words is all I can say...this is a disgrace.what are they up too over there..I am disgusted.
 

Susan Duncan (21)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 12:20 am
Besides the brutality of these soldiers, another frightening aspect of this atrocity is that those loose canons will be coming home. One would think that they would retain some minute strain of life preservation, especially for the most helpless and voiceless, while in the midst of that hell. Shame on them for abandoning all sense of humanity.How will they ever regain it when they came back? Who will be their next victims?
 

Rose Sutherland (2)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 2:12 am
Shame on these soldiers. I hope this does not represent most of these people because like the Susan D. says these loose canons will be coming home. This country has enough crazies that abuse animals, right now. I was always sympathetic to the US soldiers - this video certainly does not warm my heart to their plight. I hope the powers are made aware of these stupid people and tell them to show some compassion to animals. I'll bet these guys could kill innocent people! Wow what a revelation!
 

Pam F. (187)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 2:49 am
Beyond comprehension!
I hope everyone who has commented here at least takes action on the link provided by ME T
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/iraq_dog_abuse
 

Niall Leighton (41)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 4:27 am
Perhaps someone would like to indicate where I suggest that people here don't care. I think quite the opposite. I just think that it's a waste of time writing to members of the US Congress about a dog when American soldiers are committing routine war crimes with the full connivance of their superior officers (up to their Commander in Chief - that is, Bush) and that same Congress.

They don't care. They only care about their oil revenues.

Of course, in the US you know next to nothing about those war crimes because you get little international news over there (I have seen what passes for news reports in the US) and certainly nothing that might be seen as criticising the dehumanised psychopaths in American uniforms you have roaming the streets of Iraqi cities.

The first five people in the US who contact me offlist with a postal address can have a copy of a documentary of what really happened in Fallujah, involving the use of white phosphorus on civilians, conditional on those people passing it on to at least five more people.

Then perhaps you'll see why you're wasting your time complaining to congress about the way your soldiers treat dogs. The way they treat people is a lot worse, and their leaders know it, and don't care.
 

Dolores P. (170)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 5:07 am
I can't look it. I can't bear this stuff. I blame the war machine and I blame the patriarchal mindset that has created it. It breaks my heart every day. This is just one more horrifying example of it.
 

Elena P. (521)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 5:38 am
Shame on them!
 

Heather L. (15)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 6:03 am
C'mon, dude........at least people have a voice, animals don't. Are "we" really as smart as we think we are? Hmmmm.........ponder on that.
 

Mike F. (1)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 6:08 am
Where they are is a surreal, alien planet where human life has no value, much less that of a crippled dog. And for all of you that wished physical harm on them, you go ahead and enjoy your centrally heated and air-conditioned home, and your automobile, available to you in part due to this 'war for oil', while you travel in a world where you don't have to be in constant fear of being killed. Perhaps all of them didn't make it back to base camp, that should make you happy.
 

Cat Woman (69)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 9:15 am
They are not TRUE AMERICANS and they have insulted AMERICANS for doing this to an animal!!!~!
 

Past Member (0)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 9:26 am
For my own emotional protection I turned off the sound - but images were enough. Even after having done years and years of animal rehabilitation - this mad me feel sick. This dog was clearly suffering major trauma and, without aid, would die shortly. The men had a simple decision to make a) find the dog the medical aid it required b) if unable to do so, end it's misery. There is a special level of hell reserved for people who prolong the suffering of any living thing. Also, if I was an Iraqi citzen and I saw that... that would destroy any trust I may have built up towards American forces. This could so easily ignite retalliation - I mean what Iraqi parent would want the health and well-being of their children entrusted to people capable of this level of cruelty? Finally, a question to those American citizens posting above... aren't you scared to bring men like this back home? I realize that they aren't all like that but my understanding of military treatment of PTSD is really sub-par, so who knows what horrible new behaviours your next door nieghbour is bringing back when his tour of duty is over? Can anyone tell me what the American government does to ensure civilian saftey is cases such as this?

Brett
 

Monika V. (150)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 10:14 am
'
PETITION AGAINST U.S. SOLDIERS TAUNTING CRIPPLED DOG

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/824381310
 

Anita Lee (1121)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 10:14 am
How sad, the Americans soldiers should be locked up for the crewl way they treat animals. Very, Very, sad!
 

Elaine R. (26)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 10:34 am
Vicki, In the video I viewed, the dog apparantly got away from the GIs; howeverI I did not watch the original video which was also available for viewing, so I don't know whether the dog was killed or not.

The chances that this story and/or video will get aired or get much media attention are almost nil when one considers the amount of newsworthy stories that are available, many of them as grotesque and disgusting as this one.

If you watch this video, think of the strength and perseverence this dog has needed overcome the loss of 2 legs. Think of the pain it is probably suffering from the injuries that it endured. Then think of the moronic US soldiers who are tormenting it. While laughing and enjoying themselves, one GI asks whether they should kill the dog.

Yes, a--hole, killing it would be more humane than abusing the poor frightened creature. That dog is one of God's creatures. It can feel pain, fear, and shame, and it can feel love and hate. This dog is a casualty of war - the war that WE started.
These soldiers may be bored, but in this video they sure as hell don't sound stressed to me. Nothing excuses cruelty, whether it is cruelty to children, women, men, or animals. Cruelty and abuse are inexcusable and warrant punishment.

Drugs are always a popular excuse in court. "I didn't know what I was doing (sob), I was on drugs (sob)." Were these GIs on drugs?
 

Sherry Johnson (28)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 10:37 am
To Dennis B., "Oh, and to set the record straight for those who have never served their country (Patt): boot camp doesn't teach how to maim and torture and pillage".I'm afraid YOU are wrong, my dear man.Maybe once upon a time,our boys and girls weren't taught these things, but I can tell you that at least since the 80's they have been. My husband was a Marine in the 80's.Along with being taught to feel nothing when he killed, he was taught that killing was his job, and his duty.He was taught to think of those in his sights as numbers, not people.He was taught how to incapacitate "the enemy" using whatever methods he could use(maiming and torture among them).Thankfully, he was never broken down enough to lose his sense of compassion,which was what saved him when he got out.But, why don't you go to YouTube, and do a search for "soldiers videos"? You'll see plenty of cruelty, to animals, and to children.The cause, according to some of the "vets" i've talked to who have come back from Iraq,is boredom.That's right-boredom.When things are slow, or they're in a village where there isn't a human to shoot, they find ways to entertain themselves.Sometimes this includes teasing and torturing kids and dogs.These boys have been over there for 2-3-4 tours-something unheard of in the past.When boredom sets in, they have to kick things up a notch from what kept them entertained the last time.The scary part is, these guys aren't coming home anytime soon.When they do, they have thier own pets and kids to come home to.How will they cope,then?The statistics already show that child abuse, and spousal abuse are WAY up amongst returning soldiers,and mental health care is way down.I live in North Carolina,and we always read about soldiers abusing wives and kids,sometimes killing them.What Bush's administration is doing to these kids by keeping them in Iraq for multiple tours, should be considered just as criminal as what these kids are doing to this poor dog.
 

Catia Viegas (4)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 10:52 am
Those bastards were probably the ones who crippled the poor dog in the first place
 

Elaine R. (26)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 11:11 am
Very well put, Dennis. My late husband was a Marine and I can corroborate what you are saying about their training. I want to point out, though, that the people here are not denouncing soldieres in general; just these particular GIs. I, and I am sure many others, have read or heard about the strong attachment many soldiers come to feel to a homeless dog roaming around Iraq. I've read about the extraordinary lengths some soldiers have gone to in order to cherish and save a particular dog - even including getting the dog back to the US. I believe in my heart that the number of our GIs who mistreat children or animals is a minority. I also believe that there is either a predisposition to being abusive or the abuse is learned from experience. That does not mean that the abuse is acceptable under certain conditions. Abuse is not acceptable under any conditions.
 

Amalthea Lalaith (7)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 11:35 am
I'm so ashamed that they are citizens of my country.

I agree with what some have already said though. Not all soldiers are cruel. I have a friend whose brother went to Iraq and passed out stuffed animals to children.
 

Colleen Stadnick (140)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 11:38 am
To "Eles X"..... Thanks for the link to Dennis Kucinich. I sure hope he can help! Here is my note to hIm:

I saw a video that was posted on the Care2connect.com network. It shows 2 soldiers throwing what looks to be rocks at an injured dog. The dog is just lying there in the dirt, when these soldiers start taunting and tormenting it until it finally hobbles away. The dog's hind legs look to be seriously injured. Mr. Kucinich, I was told that you would try to do something about bringing these men to justice. It was such a cruel, reprehensible act, they need to be punished, court martialled or both. The video is viewable at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7, if you wish. Just know that it is heartbreaking and senseless. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

If you'd like to use it feel free everyone.
 

Wolfweeps Pommawolf (239)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 11:54 am
Thank you all for your wisdom, especially those that spoke of learned behavior of violence, and that it is NOT acceptable under any condition, and it shoud be stopped, and for those that spoke up about doing the right thing by petitions, emails and everything.

But I gotta say this to Niall,
There are those of us that do care, and we are concerned about those that don't care.
We can only be the DOERS, not the WHINERS.
As for those of US writing/phoning/emailing spreading outward to everyone under the sun, and attempting to do the RIGHT thing through every conceiveable channel/avenue imaginable,
WE ARE DOING SOMETHING, but we are NOT attacking those who ARE DOING SOMETHING.
Being the doers, and not the whiners and making excuses for not taking action we are part the solution, not part of the problem. We are not made ignorant because only some of the news or film clips reach our news media. We do get much other news from every point on the planet via satellite, and cable..and lord forbid the internet...*S*
Just because our government doesn't always listen to everything we say or complain about, doesn't make us isolated, nor ignorant of the fact of what is going on over in Iraq or anywhere for that matter.
We are not the only countrie that has had their soldiers act in cruelty in a war, our souldiers just got caught on camera. I never supported this war, but I damn well care about every soldier over there, and I care about ALL the innocents both human and animal alike. I support the soldiers stuck in a bad war, and about their families and loved ones.
I'm ticked off by bad soldiers and bad actions, and at our governments whole mess in this nightmare.
But you don't attack the innocent animals, people or families anywhere in IRAQ, or anywhere.
Our country isn't the only one to have our government ignore their citizens, nor act against our votes or wishes. So slamming our govenrnent, our politicians and military does not close us off from still DOING THE RIGHT THING.
We know for a fact that it's not just our country just concerned with the oil issue, that in fact its all industrialized countries that utilizes the use of oil.
We that come here to Care 2 Network are here for a reason, to make a difference.
We come from all walks of life, all careers, business, and many belief systems.
It doesn't make us ignorant of our government or it politics.
Good lord man, thats why we're here.
Instead of slamming us, get with us. Its called unity, and working together to create change, not insinuating that we ARE ignorant here in the U.S.
This is suppose to be an open line of communication venue, that is why we all are here.
To help each other everywhere on this global planet.
Sorry, but I had to vent for a minute, or get angry about getting called ignorant...*S*
~~~
This what I emailed through the PETA email form, my accountable responsibility to try and do the right thing.
Thank you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are real caring people behind these reports of abuse and cruelty, and to set aside the seriousness of this incident is not acceptable to us, the U.S. citizens, nor anyone else upon this planet.
This is NOT funny, nor amusing in any stretch of the imagination, and a problem in the bigger scheme of things.
We demand an immediate response because this is absolutely tragic to ALL innocent life.
Is this what our representives as soldiers find as acceptable for their personal amusement and entertainment to relieve their stress under war time conditions? This is unacceptable on all counts.
The WORLD is watching how the United States Military responds and takes action to put a immmediate and urgent cease and desist to this cruel and and violent behavior right now.
If this is the way our soldiers are behaving in their daily wartime minutes, then what are they doing behind the camera's snapshots and video tapes?
Abusive behavior is a learned behavior, and exist in every walk of life that anyone can name. I don't care if your of any race, income or social background..it is a learned behavior from every inche of the planet.
Is this how our heroes act duirng time of war?
Is this how our heroes treat the victims of war?
Is this what we can expect from our soldiers coming home from this war, and how can we protect our own family and animals from such horrible treatment?
I am appalled and deeply trouble in how these soldiers will treat their own family upon their return home.
Please act now before anymore innocents can be hurt or killed.
All these actions are laid upon the very steps of our Nation.
We must be the example to show the world, not be the continious joke and source of amusement for all the world to see.
I thank you very much for your time, and hope that we can be proud of our military for doing the right thing in addressing the justice for ALL innocent life in IRAQ and elsewhere in the world.
Sincerely,
Please consider the following:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JUSTICE:
Our government... teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy. ~Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis

Law is nothing unless close behind it stands a warm living public opinion. ~Wendell Phillips

As one reads history, not in the expurgated editions written for schoolboys and passmen, but in the original authorities of each time, one is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted; and a community is infinitely more brutalised by the habitual employment of punishment than it is by the occasional occurrence of crime. ~Oscar Wilde, The Soul of Man Under Socialism

Rather let the crime of the guilty go unpunished than condemn the innocent. ~Justinian I, Law Code, A.D. 535
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RESPONSIBILITY:
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs. ~Joan Didion

With every civil right there has to be a corresponding civil obligation. ~Edison Haines

I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty. ~John D. Rockefeller Jr.

We have the Bill of Rights. What we need is a Bill of Responsibilities. ~Bill Maher

Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.
When you blame others, you give up your power to change. ~Author Unknown

Even when we know what is right, too often we fail to act. More often we grab greedily for the day, letting tomorrow bring what it will, putting off the unpleasant and unpopular. ~Bernard M. Baruch

I don't see the point of being a human being if you're not going to be responsible to your fellow human beings. Selfishness thefts away the human and reduces you to just a being. ~Candea Core-Starke

Duty is what one expects from others. ~Oscar Wilde

A new position of responsibility will usually show a man to be a far stronger creature than was supposed. ~William James

Mistakes fail in their mission of helping the person who blames them on the other fellow. ~Henry S. Haskins

It is easy to ignore responsibility when one is only an intermediate link in a chain of action. ~Stanley Milgram

When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself. ~Louis Nizer

Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future. ~George Bernard Shaw

No man was ever endowed with a right without being at the same time saddled with a responsibility. ~Gerald W. Johnson

We all participate in weaving the social fabric; we should therefore all participate in patching the fabric when it develops holes. ~Anne C. Weisberg, Everything a Working Mother Needs to Know, 1994
 

Andy M. (72)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 12:29 pm
Brutal people doing what brutal people do. They do it to animals and probably any defenceless people that are unfortunate enough to cross thier pass.
 

LadyLou B. (133)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 1:30 pm
These so called "soldiers" should be punished, and made an example of. This kind of cruelty that these men showed to a defenseless dog is sadistic ~ I know war changes the people that fight in them, but this is totally uncalled for, and should be deallt with accordingly.
 

Past Member (0)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 1:31 pm
Niall -- I almost chose not to respond to your statements above, because this forum was generated for the purpose of exposing wrongdoing against a little lost and injured dog and I would hate to see it devolve into a pointless and invective-filled debate on individual loyalties. And I will not post again in response to anything you say because I don't want to be guilty of creating distractions from the reason for this forum. But I have two things to say. 1) I do think your attitude is predictably pompous and completely out of place here. If you have an axe to grind against America, there are better places to voice your criticisms. You've stated that we in the US "know next to nothing". And again I say, you assume too much. Maybe some of us don't have a clue. But certainly that is just as true for Britain or anywhere else. There are people in every part of the world with their heads in the sand, who don't want to face the truth. America has not cornered the market on denial. And despite what you might believe, we in the US do not live in caves. I possess several university degrees, one of them is in Middle Eastern Studies. I have no need to view your video on Fallujah, but thanks for the offer.

2) You say we are "wasting ... time complaining to congress" although you condescendingly concede that some of us actually do care. So let me ask you then, what would you have us do, eh? Tell us. What course of action would you suggest? If what we poor ignorant slobs are doing is so futile and so pointless, please guide us with your infinite wisdom.
 

Karenbee B. (265)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 1:42 pm
Thank you Darcy and Elaine. I back you up all the way. Niall, your type of criticisms and accusations should go somewhere else. Your attitude is predictable and unwanted here. If we don't stand up for what we believe, who does? Everyone has their own cause. And how dare you call us ignorant! What makes you so special? And I don't care to know. On your profile page you state, "left my political leaning blank, as US definitions differ from those here." So please save your ignorant comments for your country's problems. If you think we're so clueless get off this site. It is called Care2.
 

James M. (197)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 2:51 pm
This is despicable. I'm both ashamed of those soldiers and discouraged with the whole thing. Unfortunately our country probably contributed to the problem by placing these young men in a situation that is terribly stressful. They are in an "unwinnable" war (like there are really any winners in war) and hated by most of the population there. That doesn't excuse their cruel and heartless abuse, it merely puts it in some perspective.
 

Past Member (0)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 5:40 pm
I am choosing not to watch the video but have read all the comments here and certainly support PETA in this. Such cruel behavior is unacceptable, anywhere and any time. Sounds like the kind thing to have done under the circumstances would have been to put the poor dog out of its pain with a single shot. You do have to wonder whether these men were so callous before Iraq, or became that way in the course of their war duty. And I wonder if stray dogs there can find much help at all? I hope that people such as ourselves can convince others that even the life of a crippled dog matters, and even in wartime.
 

Suzanne Racine (79)
Thursday January 18, 2007, 7:07 pm
This is the sickest thing I have seen, what kind of tough guys do they think they are, this poor dog is suffering and they are making fun of it!! If this is what the war is doing our the mens heads, it is time to stop this war, before we bring home a bunch of sick men that will need endless hours of therapy!! Please do something to these two soldiers, they deserve to be charged with animal cruelty, no matter where they are--and what does this message send to our children, that if you go over in a war it is ok to be mean and cruel and kill anything you want to--do they stop with this dog, or do they carry on with women and children too, I have never before been so outraged!! Someone needs to send this to Bush!!
 

BMutiny TCorporationsEvil (424)
Friday January 19, 2007, 3:29 am
I cannot get the video to come up; but I understand it is very graphic. How ironic it would be, if after all the Bush mis-Administration coverup and lies and propaganda attempts, this video of a suffering dog, should be the thing that finally turns the public around to DEMAND our over-extended, half-insane troops come home NOW! If the mistreatment and probable death of the poor dog, leads to the swift END of this insane, unwanted war, the dog will have given its small life for the sake of other animals, children and people, in Iraq and here at home. If that is any comfort; which it probably isn't. But let's hope this all ends up MEANING something. This video slipped under the radar, because to the mis-Administration and the Brass, the life of an animal DIDN'T MATTER; and they assume EVERYONE is as callous and uncaring as they are. It is a vivid REMINDER of what war really IS; and what the US military is really "standing for" over there. Bring 'em HOME!!!
 

Karen G. (9)
Friday January 19, 2007, 4:03 am
OMG! This is so sick. This is what some of our military personell do for FUN. What is so funny about the sight of a poor, defenseless, emaciated and obviously suffering dog? I thought this was a war againt terrorists and terror? Is it any different because the act was perpetrated against an animal? What worries me the most is what kind of unspeakable cruelty have other animals suffered that may never come out? These soldiers need to be caught and punished. Our troops need to be educated about what is and is not acceptable behaviour. They may be on foreign soil, but they are there representing the USA, and this is not the kind of impression I want to leave!
 

Past Member (0)
Friday January 19, 2007, 7:46 am
This is sad and heartless. I support our troops 100% But this is uncalled for and inexcuseable. I feel so bad for that poor little dog. Shame on these soldiers that did this :( Unacceptable. I signed the petition.
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Friday January 19, 2007, 9:54 am
Okay Niall so "airborne casual Conjugation" means Flying f' k, I get it...English is my mother language and I've never heard of this expression before..
If just one person cares it's enough....All little bits help....
About the doggy being killed....I kept the sound on and one of the soldiers asked the other one if he should kill the dog, was heartbreaking.....The video ended after he said this....
As for what else you said Niall, I agree with that....Enough warcrimes have happened in Iraq and Afghanistan....Those soldiers have no right being there.....I am one hundred percent against war as I said before and this one is just another fictional war started by Bush junior to protect his interests in oil....
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:06 am
Okay Niall, so "airborne causal conjugation" means flying f"k.....English is my mother langauge, but I must say that I've never heard of this expression before....
It's true what you say about the warcrimes happening in Iraq and not enough being done abou it....In Afghanistan enough warcrimes happended...And of course this war in Iraq was started by Bush junior because of interests in oil.....The soldiers have no right being there.....I am against war as I said before....It's bad for the environment, costs lives and loads and loads of money....
About the slodiers killing the doggy: I kept the sound on and one soldier asked the other soldier if they should kill him,..The video ended after he said that......
 

Cathleen C. Cleary (44)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:10 am
Sorry about that, two messages from me, nearly the same....My first one didn't appear right away, so I thought that something had gone wrong, hmmmmm...
 

Murtaza Ghulam (38)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:22 am
Noted
 

Adriana Roca (184)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:40 am
WHAT DO YOU EXPECTED? THEY KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE.......MAYBE THIS WAY MORE USA CITIZEN REALIZE THAT WAR ISN'T GOOD FOR NOBADY!
 

Geneva Talmadge (5)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:54 am
NOTED and passed on.
 

Eco M. (197)
Friday January 19, 2007, 12:28 pm
It is very disturbing to witness constantly the decline of the US....represented by George W. Bush, the US Congress, many men and women in the US military, and the many US citizens who continue to look the other way while our country plunges further into an abyss of unethical behavior, servre immorality, and terrible intolerance and hatred for people who are different than ourselves.

This brief video clip clearly illustrates the decay which continues to plague and threaten our once-great nation. The taunting of a lame and malnourished dog by US soldiers speaks volumes of what the US has become.
 

Past Member (0)
Friday January 19, 2007, 12:36 pm
Wow.Whitewolf, you actually think a dog that has no use of it's back legs was attacking them? And if it was attacking them, why did they not just shoot it? Why did they take the time to video it? This is not a case of self defense. This is a case of I'm bored and I think my friends will find this funny because I'm a sick son-of-a-bitch. I am so sick of people making excuses for these abusers just because they are soldiers. They are not above the law. They should be setting an example, not embarassing us even further. I say if this is what is going on over there, bring them home now. My tax dollars can go for animal welfare, not animal torture. This is a disgrace. Stop making excuses. PTSD my ass. No matter, they know the difference between right and wrong, and if they do not, they should be locked up with the rest of the sickos.
 

wednesday a. (64)
Friday January 19, 2007, 2:17 pm
I'm sorry to say this and it might shock some people,but these guys deserve to get crippled themselves and be intimidated by it too.This kind of cruelty makes me sick and these psychos are worth nothing in our world...
 

Jessica K. (21)
Friday January 19, 2007, 2:40 pm
This is embarassing behavior. I have no words. There is NO reason for soldiers to behave like this. It's just so awful . . . don't know what else to say
 

VanGogh Blue (421)
Friday January 19, 2007, 2:46 pm
Ithink is sad and scary.Soldiers sadly are tought to survive with war tecniques and that dehumanizes and hardens people. Scary because when this people get home walking and not in a bag...who are they going to be? Are they going to be serial killers? what is theire position in society? how are this people going to behave?.
There is not any justification for what they do to the dog!
I guess that the war in Iraq per se is cruel, stupid, and its making people soul criple.
what they are doing to the poor doggy is exactly what they are doing to theire own souls.
 

Wolfweeps Pommawolf (239)
Friday January 19, 2007, 4:39 pm
Aztecbarbie,

I too asked those same questions years ago when our soldiers were coming home from Vietnam. I was a young teenager, and witnessed with such terrible sadness how badly our citizens treated the veterans coming back to try and live a "normal" life. It wasn't until I was a parent of teenagers in the early 90's that I actually faced that very question myself.
I had just started college at the ripe old age of 31, just lost a beloved family members, in fact my bestfriend to lung cancer. College became a healing thing. I took a philosophy class paired with a soicialogy class. The theme that quarter was..."What Is A Just War?' My mind opened in so many ways because I learned so very much that I was just plain ignorant about.
I don't equate a soldier coming home from war as a soon to be serial killer, but rather the walking wounded.
I posted earlier about Tim O'Briens book: "The Things They Carried". It's an enlightening, eye opening perspective of what soldiers carry into the war are vastly different than than what they carry home.
They bring home the burden of lives lost, labels of being murders of an unpopular war...yet again.
We instill in them as they go far from home the responsibility of defending not only our freedom, but those of other countries and nations. Popular war, police actions..whatever the popular word at this time.
There is no excuse for what these soldiers have done to this poor defenseless animal, and I'm sure that other soldiers have committed other terrible things to innocent people as well. No excuse for any of it.
All I know is that I can not judge all of those in this horrible war responsibile for every soldier that has strayed far from his duty.
We live in a more media ready world these days, and I queston everything with an open mind. These men and women will come home one day soon I hope, and I will accept them with open heart, open mind and support that they will so dearly need. For although I don;t support this stupid violent war, I do support the soldiers who left this country, not knowing what they were walking into when they stepped upon that battleground.
 

Donna Smith (11)
Friday January 19, 2007, 4:56 pm
This is SO pathetic. These immature boys should be punished, perhaps do the same thing to them that they did to the dog.
 

Barbara Gauthier (4)
Friday January 19, 2007, 5:04 pm
For shame! That was disgusting behaviour. Picking on a poor, helpless animal in pain!
 

Heather G. (59)
Friday January 19, 2007, 5:58 pm
I am so mad and horrified right now! There are not even words to describe this. I agree, we need to bring our soliders home now. Acting out toward defenseless creatures, both animal and human is maybe a sign of bordom. There is no excuse for this type of behavior. I also agree, that they should be rendered paralyzed, defenseless, and boulders be thrown at them!
 

Larry W. (0)
Friday January 19, 2007, 7:13 pm
I can't believe what I just saw these soldiers were doing. I have been around a lot of the military in the past and this is one of our bad apples. If I were there CO they would hate there actions for the rest of there life. This is not what they are tought and what they should be doing. These two I saw in this video are a danger to our way of life. I to feel bad about all the dead and those hurt. But this has no excuss what so ever.
 

Angela V. (180)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:14 pm
I could not watch their horriffc cruelty.
I am embarrassed and heartbroken that these soldiers represent our country.
Sure, they are under a terrible burden of stress and mental anguish, but that does not excuse their actions towards a poor, defenseless, suffering animal that was not doing anything but lying down trying to rest its poor crippled body.
I just don't understand their thinking...what if one of them was maimed and injured like this from the casulty of the war they are in? Would they like to be taunted, laughed at, have rocks and dirt thrown at them? Or would they want to receive sympathy, care, and lovingkindness from another human being?
I do not think they represent the majority of American soldiers serving in Iraq; and I know some of the soldiers there take the opposite action; they care for and take in lost, starving, sick animals and are caring for them during their tour of duty, some even find a way to bring them back to the U.S.
In contrast to this story, I just read in the ASPCA newsletter last week, a story about a soldier that had served in Afghanistan, finding three orphaned kittens, feeding them with an eyedropper and keeping them with him. When his tour of duty was over, he brought all 3 home to live with his family and they are now very much loved family pets. So for every action such as this, it gives me hope to know that other soldiers are doing just the opposite and protecting innocent animals who are just as much innocent victims of war as innocent citizens are
These soldiers had this capacity to begin with, to be able to commit this abuse on this animal; other soldiers are exposed to the same atrocities these men? are and they do not choose or have the capacity to torment innocent creatures...there is NO excuse for this behavior, they have lost their very souls.
It may do no good to contact anyone or petition this cruelty but it certainly won't hurt, and it gets the story out in the media where it needs to be!
 

Joe W. (42)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:45 pm
Sorry, I don't find the PTSD excuse valid. I have had PTSD and I did NOT go out and torture innocent animals or human beings.

These soliders are sick, pathetic, cowardly excuses for human beings. Having an ex associated with the military I can tell you that it attracts many dysfunctional/mentally marginal human beings who are control freaks and hungry for power because they feel impotent as human beings.

These individuals are a disgrace to every solider who has sacrificed their life and freedom in American history.
 

gail d. (131)
Friday January 19, 2007, 10:45 pm
My heart breaks for the poor dog,those two soldiers should be sent home to face animal cruelty charges,and kicked out of the militaryand shamed.What goes around comes around.
 

Anne F. (69)
Friday January 19, 2007, 11:48 pm
Words fail me
 

Kent Mullin (2)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 12:52 am
[URL]http://2s.ca/AAAZP[/URL] [URL]http://2s.ca/AAAZR[/URL] [URL]http://2s.ca/AAAZQ[/URL]
 

Kent Mullin (2)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 1:01 am
Let me first say that I too was, and still am, appalled by the lack of sensitivity toward this crippled animal that was apparent in the voices and behavior of those soldiers, and the lack of respect that they showed the dog. Any crippled creature, whether human or animal deserves better. It was plain that aside from obtaining video of the dogs unusual abilities, these soldiers didn't give a rats ass about the pooch and they deserve to be reprimanded for their callous treatment of him.

But that is where I part company with most of the comments so far. It is amazing how different people viewing the same thing can have a completely different impression of what took place. I saw something that I have seen on a few occasions in the past, a dog with a crippled posterior that has learned to get about on it's forelegs alone. Such crippling is usually the result of injury to or separation of the lower spinal cord and does not normally leave the animal in lasting pain. As well, a dog walking on it's forelegs has taken a while in order to learn to do so, therefore the injury could not have been that recent as he was quite adept at it.

Several of those who viewed the film saw an animal in pain.

I saw soldiers throwing stones in the direction of a dog to make him move in order to get video of him walking on his forelegs. None of the stones appeared of a velocity that would cause pain or injury. The dog however did make it plain that he did not want to be disturbed.

Several of those who viewed the film saw an animal being tortured and tormented.

I saw evidence of a couple of immature and not very bright boys who, when looking at something that they had never seen before (something that would normally inspire sympathy) found it distinctly unusual enough to want to video tape it. That they thought it funny, and that
they appeared to feel no sympathy was a sad comment on their lack of humanity.

Several of those who viewed the film saw two callous, heartless pesecutors, laughing at their victims deficiencies.

I find it paradoxical when people so obviously caring, sensitive, kind and empathetic towards animals, people whom one wouldn't expect to have a single mean bone in their bodies, suddenly show such vitriol towards their fellow man. Wishing these soldiers to have their legs blown off, wishing them dead.. wow! Hey folks there's something radically wrong here, aside from just not being very civilized. Guys, these may not be people that we like but they are people. Could it be that spending so much time and affection on animals de-sensitizes one towards ones fellow man?
If one does not wish to project a personal image of being even more callous than the two soldiers in the film one should be a little more circumspect in ones comments.

Incidentally if I wanted to shoot video of that dog walking on his forelegs (which I would not find funny), I would take several hotdogs or some such and feed one to him, and then throw the rest as far as I could. He would be sure to go after them, I would get my video and the pooch would have a meal.
There's more than one way to skin a cat...oops!

K.
 

Ali Hirst (323)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 1:07 am
.
Looks like a bot got into your post Kent..another post has a bot also..
 

Pink F. (3)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 1:58 am
SAD, SICK & Cruel.
The army is turning into a bunch of degenerates (ok that might be slightly overstated) but seriously we are hearing about young women being raped and killed and animals being hurt. What the hell. These soliders obviously need help and they need to get of Iraq.
I understand the despair and discouragement, but that absolutely does not justify their actions. I hope animal rights will be able to investigate further and hopefully those soldiers will be discharged. Dont they say animal cruelty is the precursor to human cruelty!?!
Perhaps teh goverment should start thinking about what they are going to do with a whole bunch of seriously and unnecessarily fucked up soliders when they do return from iraq. i can tell u i would not be welcoming those assholes home. not even like that poor dog did anything, it was for amusement. Sick
 

Rhonda L. (24)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 3:46 am
I agree with Kent Mullin's comments.
This video shows that, sadly, this dog had, in the past, been injured & lost ONE leg & another was un-useable (& held up next to it's body). But it is also clear that the dog was not suffering from something that had just happened -it's injuries were healed and it had already adjusted to using only 2 legs to get around -& quite efficiently, as we all see in the footage. I assure you all that I am an animal lover of the highest order & feel terrible for the poor dog (who should be fed not laughed at) but I love ALL animals, including the human animal. I saw no evidence that these soldiers "tortured" this poor unfortunate dog. They threw stones at the dog in order to get it to walk on it's two legs -which was mean & stupid & showed a lack of compassion- but other than that, they did NOT appear to harm it otherwise.
It doesn't appear that they deserve many of the sentiments expressed above...so it seems to me that the majority of the previous comments are extreme over-reactions.
Obviously all of you LOVE animals, that's wonderful. And I, too, upon seeing cruelty toward animals have no qualms about letting sadistic bastards get a taste of their own medicine when, in fact, that is what they have dished out. But so many of the comments above are truly vicious! Come on people.... In your quest to protect the innocent don't lose your head & allow your momentum to run down others that happen to be standing by. Let your heart burn with that firey love of animals, just don't let it burn OUT OF CONTROL. If we turn against our own kind we lose any chance there is to relate our understanding of animals to them. Without that understanding they will never come to see things the way we do & they'll never support or join our cause. Cuz after all no one wants to BE LIKE someone who has no compassion for them or hates them ... or wishes that their legs get blown off...
Try instead to BE a LIGHT in the world, and be CARE-FULL to not let your light fall prey to your own darkness.
Namaste'.
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 4:18 am
LIKE THE OLD SAYING YOU TREAT MEN LIKE ANIMALS AND THEY ACT LIKE THEM .GET OUT !!!! THE PTSD AND DEPLETED URANIUM IS MESSING OUR SOLDIES UP CHRISTIAN
 

Lisa Curry (3)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 4:19 am
That is one of the sadest things I've seen. People can be so cruel!
 

Rebecca S. (160)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 6:39 am
PTSD has squat to do with this incident! This is simply an example of the kind of cruel beast the army is recruiting at this point. You think sadistic bastards don't join the army just to have the chance to kill and hurt people and things?? Of COURSE they do!!!! It is their big chance to get off on hurting something or someone defenseless and HAVING NO REPERCUSSIONS!!!!!!!!!! Send this video to the major news outlets and let's get these sick scum thrown in jail!
 

Karin Simpson (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 7:04 am
This is disgusting and made me sick to my stomach. What goes around, comes around, and men like this will reap what they sow. They should be made to answer for their cruel actions.
 

Lynda K. (12)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 7:19 am
Heartbreaking, so sad.
 

Barbara Brown (9)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 8:25 am
It's is a fine line that divides man from animals and in this case animals are the superior beings.
 

Jeffery Wynne (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 9:33 am
An absolute disgrace, have yet to see anything on the major media outlets. Shows a total lack of humanity. How can one gain the respect of others when you have no respect for yourself or those of God's animals.
 

Bonnie M. (12)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 10:27 am
I was about to place the link to this page on Jay Kopelman's website (author of "From Baghad, With Love: A Marine, the War, and a Dog Named Lava"), when I found his comments about this incident (middle of page) on Amazon.com. It seems that at least two other people already posted the link on his website:

http://www.amazon.com/Baghdad-Love-Marine-Named-Lava/dp/1592289800/sr=1-1/qid=1169316479/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-9492517-5819248?ie=UTF8&s=books

I could not bring myself to watch the video, but I want the ignorant, psychotic bastards responsible for this atrocious abuse punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Some encouraging news from the Jay's posting above: the Humane Society International will be presenting the video to Secretary Gates at the DoD. Please contact your congressman and senators and demand that the perpetrators be punished - these stupid evil bastards are a threat to all innocent Iraqis, animals included, and an embarrassment to our country.
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 11:18 am
Bonnie -- thank you for your post and the link. It's the best news I've heard in days.
 

Laurie Noble (10)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 1:58 pm
I have never been so horrified by an act by so-called *soldiers* I pray they will be held accountable & charged! Stripped of all their uniform & sent home in disgrace...Do they treat their families the same way? Too laugh at themselves on tape seems even worse! I am ashamed of the sick bastards
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 2:00 pm
Patt H. I 100% agree with you on this.
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 2:04 pm
Kent - Thank you for your diagnoses of the dog's condition. I am guessing we're all feeling better knowing the dog wasn't in pain. I agree with your statements. Wishing pain and humiliation on these men only makes the entire thing cyclical. However, what about the "do you wanna go over there and kill it" line? Doesn't that still at least imply the intent to be cruel to the animal? I guess my feeling is that this is just what they wanted on tape - not everything they may have done, in this incident or others. They should still be tracked down - guilty of animal cruelty or not - and watched closely, this is not the sort of behaviour you want escalating.

B.
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 2:24 pm
Kent, I beg to differ. That can be the case in some instances, when the animal has access to treatment from a vet. That dog looked to me like it was in a great deal of pain. I do not wish to argue or are saying you are wrong by any means.
 

Karenbee B. (265)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 2:34 pm
Thank you Jeanete. You are saying what I was thinking. My take on it was that dog was seriously injured and in pain indicated by the baring of his teeth in the very beginning. He did not want to be approached. And the fact that he was able to get away I don't consider it "efficiently due to older injuries" as much as it was fleeing in terror and you do what you gotta do to get away. I don't wish to argue either, whatever way you look at it, it is a disgrace of humanity. "Man" is the only species that hurts or kills for fun.
 

Beth M. (2)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 4:29 pm
I'm going to be sick.
I don't even want to go to the site where the original story was from because I don't think I'll be able to handle it
I hope the dog will be okay.
and I certainly hope these men are stripped of their uniform (and medals, if they have any) and given dishonorable discharges.
 

Jack S. (0)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 6:54 pm
Who Knows - Maybe they'll go home with NO legs
 

Rachel R. (121)
Saturday January 20, 2007, 8:10 pm
That is the saddest thing. I can't believe how cruel people can be. I certainly hope those soldiers get whats coming to them. That may be harsh to say, but there is no excuse for what they did to that dog. That dog is in so much pain, I hope that if it does die it dies in its sleep that way it goes peacefully. I don't know what else to say I am at a loss for words. But the tears in my eyes say it all.
 

gina c. (41)
Sunday January 21, 2007, 1:50 am
"Do You Want To Go And Kill It?" I'm speechless. What the hell is wrong with these guys? seriously? As far as finding them....that was a pretty good close up of the one guy? Stress Disorder my butt! they are bored, cruel individuals. Lets see how they would respond to someone taking there legs, placing them in the middle of a road, and throwing rocks at them. As an American, I am deeply shamed.
 

Alf I. (246)
Sunday January 21, 2007, 11:42 am
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
http://www.KinshipCircle.org
'
SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
Demand Criminal Investigation of U.S. Soldiers Caught on Video Abusing Dog
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/iraq_dog_abuse
'
The Military's War On Animals
http://www.peta.org/feat/military/
'
U.S. Department of Defense
http://www.defenselink.mil/
'
VIDEO: Soldiers taunt crippled dog in Iraq
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7
'
PETITION: U.S. Soldiers Taunt Crippled Dog In Iraq VIDEO
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/824381310
 

Past Member (0)
Sunday January 21, 2007, 11:29 pm
These SICK bastards think this is funny, huh? Take the ****ing guns away from them, and send them to me here in South Dakota. I'll cut them each a new face, and then throw rocks at their piss-ass bodies until they spit blood. This is a fine example of the crap of humanity that the USA is sending over there, and all they wanted was a free education, in the first place. God help them if they ever run into my friends and me. SCUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Hans O. (1)
Monday January 22, 2007, 6:17 am
Hello all animal friends. I believe that some of the authors of the above contributions once in their lifetime have treated animal in a degrading way, to use a not too powerful word. That, of course, does not justify the act of these two soldiers, however, I think this is what happens now and than in such places and under such circumstances. Do not forget that the situation is far from normal and the place is a long way from home - we tend to forget the fact that many of these young men live under extreme and very stressful conditions, which move their normal tolerance threshold and the way they look upon themselves. When that is said, I do not support any abnormal behaviour I just understand that this can happen. Above all, we are all member of the international society and therefore have a responsibility to make the World a better place to live, so I do support this page.
 

Maria M. (13)
Monday January 22, 2007, 6:21 am
Would have served those jerks right if that dog had bit them......None of Mother Nature's creations deserve to be treated so horribly.
 

Elaine R. (26)
Monday January 22, 2007, 12:15 pm
Despite the fact that the dog's injuries seem to be old, that does not mean they are painless. Human amputees feel phantom pain, why not animals? The fact that the dog has some success in moving does not mean that his muscles are not aching from the strain. I had to walk on one foot for several weeks. After only a few days, the leg that I was able to walk on was constantly sore, and my entire body, muscles, tendons, whatever, were aching from being stretched and used in an abnormal way. By the end of 2 months, I felt that my body was disfigured from having hanging onto crutches, bending over a walker, or leaning on a cane. Also, it seems to be that when a dog is annoyed, it may growl, but when a dog yelps, it is in pain.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of the fantastic posts submitted here. The sympathetic comments by so many people who are obviously well educated are inspiring. The comments of those trying to explain away the actions of the soldiers are heartening in that they evidently care about the topic, and some of their points are valid. We who expressed desire for physical revenge most probably would not follow through on such desires, but we took the opportunity to express ourselves harmlessly, venting the rage, disgust, and fear instilled by what was seen in the video. I believe that these soldiers need to be punished in some way, and I'm glad to see the posts with links and/or addresses to send letters. Thank you to those who followed up, searched, and persevered in finding additional information on this situation.
 

Alf I. (246)
Monday January 22, 2007, 12:58 pm
And thankyou Elaine for you infinite common sense!! This is one epic thread!! Wonder if I'll get a prize haha. The best prize would be to see that all soldiers are briefed on cruelty(to animals and innocent people) and the fact that they are ambassadors to their country. And best of all would be to see that the dog gets a home!! That would make me very happy.
 

Victoria B. (15)
Monday January 22, 2007, 3:11 pm
I could not bear to watch the video, as I am sure many of us could not. How many situations like this happen in the world today, to animals, children, the elderly, to anyone who is perceived to be an easy target by someone with an ax to grind or, in some sick cases, just for the "fun" of it. It doesn't appear that the odds are in favor of the human species evolving into anything resembling something that fits into our biosphere in time to avoid the next mass extinction, which scientists now agree we have mostly caused. In fact, our evolution seems to have been away from fitting in. We have become the destroyer. But, until we commit the ultimate destruction, I, for one, will keep doing everything I can to raise the lowly and bring down the high and mighty.
 

Monika V. (150)
Tuesday January 23, 2007, 3:57 am
'
Pasado Safe Haven is once again on top . They have a page set up for people to voice their complaints about the treatment of this animal and they will forward them

http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/HOMEPAGE/1_20WEBSITE/IRAQ/Iraq.htm

Outraged? Take action.

Click here to submit: http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/HOMEPAGE/1_20WEBSITE/IRAQ/Action_Letter.htm

Please submit your comments to contact the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates and demand an investigation. We should expect more from our servicemen. We should expect more from each other.

We will forward all comments to the Secretary of Defense on your behalf. Together, with hundreds, maybe thousands of us writing, something will be done!

Please use the following talking points:
The Military Code of Ethics is not just a piece of paper.
The soldiers shown on the video throwing rocks at a crippled dog inside the Green Zone, Iraq dishonors us all and makes a mockery of the basic tenets in the code.
These soldiers should be reprimanded for their treatment of this poor creature.
They should also be examined by a qualified psychiatrist to determine if treatment is necessary.
A full investigation should be launched immediately.


 

Wolfweeps Pommawolf (239)
Tuesday January 23, 2007, 9:14 am
Thank you Monika,
I went and signed the letter, and passed it on....*S*

It took me a little bit catch up on all the post on this article after working over the weekend. I almost left work
Sunday afternoon when I had to set during the lunch time hour for the people I care for, and listen to one excuse after another on how this behavior is excusable because these soldiers live under conditions that we the citizens of the U.S. know nothing about. I sat silently, listening to the garbage, and just waited for the nonsense to come to a trailing end. I stood up, walked to the center of the diningroom and asked a curious question.
"So all of you find nothing wrong with using an innocent animal for a source of entertainment and stress reliever? You see this as acceptable? Then why do you call yourself professional caregivers? What is it that you care about? Only the actions committed in front of your own two eyes? If thats the case, then you should have your license revoked, and turn yourself in for participants of acceptable abuse. How can these peoples family trust you to care for their family members here when your under stress, and under emergency conditions? How can anyone trust you?
Needless to say, I'm not the favorite person right now, nor do I care to be. Perhaps its time for me to move into another type of employment where I can actually trust my fellow caregivers to do the right thing.
It makes me ashamed to be in this field, and know that those I work with can, and will not do the right thing.
 

Karenbee B. (265)
Tuesday January 23, 2007, 9:43 am
Thanks Monika and I am proud of you. I have been following this thread forever! My eyes are bleary from reading the posts. Any my heart is bleary as well reading comments that ask me to forgive these soldiers because they have PTSD, or ADD or "SICKO". At first I thought about the incredible horror they have to deal with and know that I can't even relate to war in that way. But I must agree that no matter what the problem is, they must be identified and held accountable. If treatment is what they need, give it to them, but get them out of the war and especially do not put them back into everyday life. They are responsible for what they did. They saw a terribly injured dog with only 2 legs working, and made the decision to taunt and torture it. Please NO MORE on how tortured their souls are! Get them out, hold them accountable and give them treatment.
 

Jeanie Williams-West (217)
Tuesday January 23, 2007, 12:27 pm
A few days ago some questioned my sanity because I rabidly oppose this war, stand in firm opposition to latest ploy to continue this desicration to some twisted ideal of what democracy is supposed to be about. I agree that the military at the enlisted mans level rarely teaches things like civility and compassion for all forms of life. In fact I wonder if they teach that at West Point and other colleges of military science and war. However one does not have to be in a soldier pushed to the edge of sanity in Iraq to do this, it happens every day here in America. I do believe that people who do this to animals need to be prosecuted just as harshly as those who do the same to another human being. Unfortunately it is so rarely followed out to its fullest degree.
 

Valeria N. (7)
Wednesday January 24, 2007, 2:22 am
Bastards!I bet they do the same thing with people...
 

Monika V. (150)
Thursday January 25, 2007, 12:18 pm
'
IDA Action Alert

Urge Army to investigate soldiers who threw stones at injured dog

http://ga0.org/campaign/armydog/nq0bk7njx?

 

john g. (55)
Thursday January 25, 2007, 2:05 pm
I just received a letter back from the Humane Society and they have passed this on to the Secretary of Defense. Mr. Gates. Also, unfortunately ther is nothing in the bylaws of combat that deals with the punishment of animal cruelty, But if we all contact The Honorable Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense,1000 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1000... then maybe this can change. We have to send him a message so he cannot ignore the problem. Thanks for all the comments.. I will send out a letter tonight..
John
 

Joe W. (42)
Thursday January 25, 2007, 2:54 pm
IDA Action Alert

Urge Army to investigate soldiers who threw stones at injured dog

http://ga0.org/campaign/armydog/nq0bk7njx?

Signed and fowarded to friends.
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Thursday January 25, 2007, 2:59 pm
Tell me, AGAIN, why are U.S. military forces in Iraq?

Bu$H's Iraq Folly: 'Shocking' Video: Shi'a Iraqi Troops Deliver 'Brutal Beating' to Sunnis as US Troops 'Stand Idly By' . . . . . US soldiers, assigned to train the Iraqi troops, look on as the Iraqi soldiers push the beaten men into the rear compartment of an armored vehicle. "It is a shocking insight into the sectarian violence that is tearing Baghdad apart,"
 

Glo B. (87)
Thursday January 25, 2007, 3:59 pm
Thats Horrible...His Face should posted on many sites til at Least his family see's this and is hopefully embarassed by his inhumane actions!
 

Cody M. (0)
Friday January 26, 2007, 12:30 pm
Terrible. This brings disgrace to the uniform. Makes me royally pissed. I hope what goes around comes around and these soldiers get their legs blown off instead of the normal, rational, men and women in uniform that are doing good things. I do support our armed forces but this just proves that their are tons and tons of sicko people with mental problems that represent the United States. Makes me sick.
 

Colleen Stadnick (140)
Saturday January 27, 2007, 9:54 pm
Does anyone know if CNN got the video?
 

Colleen Stadnick (140)
Saturday January 27, 2007, 10:03 pm
I just wrote this letter to my congressman:

Dear Senator McCaul,
I am writing to you to make you aware of a cruel atrocity that has occurred in Iraq. Two or three troops are videotaped while taunting a severely injured dog and laughing at it. The talk of killing the poor creature. It was hobbling away on only 2 legs. Here is a link to the video:

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7

I must warn you that it is quite graphic and disturbing. I was deeply saddened after viewing it.

Please ensure that these troops are found and punished to the full extent of the law. They do not belong in our military, in my opinion. They are representing our country and what they are doing is brutal and inhumane. I feel they should be court-martialed!

I thank you for any action you can take in this matter and for taking the time to read this.

Sincerely,

Colleen Stadnick
Katy, TX

Feel free to use it if you wish. The more people we contact who can do something about this, the better!
 

Colleen Stadnick (140)
Saturday January 27, 2007, 10:07 pm
Here is a link where you can send a pre-written letter to Secretary of Defense Gates. Of course you can ad your own comments to the letter:

http://ga0.org/campaign/armydog/nq0bk7njx?

 

Robert K. (437)
Sunday January 28, 2007, 9:15 pm
How Sad. Boots
 

Yan K. (75)
Monday January 29, 2007, 8:11 am

Whoa! These aren't men, they are little boys. You all have seen what they do to animals when they are bored, Imagine what they do to PEOPLE!
Poor doggy.

NO MORE WAR!

PEACE
 

Past Member (0)
Monday January 29, 2007, 9:41 am
In addition to signing the Care2 petition and sending a message via the Pasado Safe Haven link provided by Monika, I sent emails to Senators Boxer, Feinstein, Pelosi, and Kennedy, as well as ABC, CNN and my local news station. So far, there's been no response whatsoever from anyone. I hate to say it, but it seems our UK friend Niall was right. They don't care. So, Niall, I apologise. Nevertheless, I think we deserve credit for trying.
 

Teresa del Castillo (1599)
Monday January 29, 2007, 2:01 pm
someone has an update about this?
 

Andrea Da Costa (220)
Monday January 29, 2007, 3:25 pm
Couldnt watch the whole video... i found it too upsetting!!!! I will never understand how people can be so cruel!!!!!!!!!
 

Past Member (0)
Tuesday January 30, 2007, 3:54 pm
update here: http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=155&pst=854765&archival=

You have received the following feedback on your petition, "U.S. Soldiers
Taunt Crippled Dog In Iraq VIDEO.", on ThePetitionSite.com

Thought you would like to see a reply to an e-mail from the US Embassy in
London

Dear Ms. Phillips,

I have viewed the video clip and I have to say that it made me feel sick to my stomach. There is no possible excuse for this disgraceful, wanton cruelty and I personally totally support your opinion.

I forwarded your email to the U.S. Army Attaché and have discussed this with him. He believes that he has been able to identify the unit. The video has now been witnessed by staff here and forwarded to the appropriate military organization within Iraq. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for bringing the matter to our attention and to assure you that it will be treated extremely seriously, as indeed it should be.

Sincerely,

Anna M. Wereszczynska
Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Defense Attaché Office, London
 

Wolfweeps Pommawolf (239)
Tuesday January 30, 2007, 4:06 pm
ELES X,

Thank you for the update. Now from her mouth to the higher powers that be....*S*
I sure hope so, and I hope like hell that the soldiers ears are more than burning.
I do believe in universal justice.
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Tuesday January 30, 2007, 6:01 pm
Eles, thanks for the update; I hope they're all court martialled and dishonorably disccharged as mentally deficient!
 

Past Member (0)
Tuesday January 30, 2007, 8:13 pm
Yes, thank you Eles. This sounds like a very promising development! I sure hope something comes of it!
 

Ali Hirst (323)
Tuesday January 30, 2007, 8:39 pm
Yes I agree Eles, hope they get what they deserve...good on you
 

Past Member (0)
Wednesday January 31, 2007, 7:50 am
Thank you Eles! This is good news (great news) - lets hope something comes of it! And thanks to Ms. Wereszczynska too... good to see some response.

Brett
 

Jean-Luc M. (68)
Tuesday February 6, 2007, 11:47 am
The only thing I can do is pass it on... Be sure I will.Not any such dumb and cruel beast on Earth as " Man".
 

Linda E. (3)
Wednesday February 7, 2007, 3:59 pm
I wish I hadn't watched the video, what little bit I did see will give me nightmares for weeks to come. To those who think PTSD caused this behavior...I have PTSD and this video agrivated it so badly I'm freaked out now. edgy etc. Their action caused the relapse not the other way around. I have grown up with some sick individuals who did this sort of thing and that is what it's triggering for me. Old stuff.

I know people with wartime PTSD and there are different reactions to it. Men and women react differently also. But there has to be that little bit of evil or mean streak in you to bring it out. Some people re-enact things they've witnessed in the past and some are so sickened by it that they can't imagine ever doing something like that because they put themselves in the place of the animal. That's what I do.

Don't ask me what I hope they do to these (few-I hope) soldiers. It's not pretty.

sorry but this is a sore point for me.
 

Linda E. (3)
Wednesday February 7, 2007, 4:06 pm
I guess I should have read the whole line of messages before replying. I feel better that it is being handled by the powers that be.
Thanks so much for the update and whatever it took to bring it about.

linda
 

Shirley T. (502)
Thursday February 8, 2007, 4:50 am
So immoral and primitive!!
 

Past Member (0)
Saturday February 10, 2007, 11:25 am
I received this today:

My sincere thanks to all who brought to the Army’s attention a personal and unsanctioned video showing three Soldiers behaving in an appalling and unacceptable manner toward an injured dog in Iraq. I’ve read many of your comments on the internet and received letters and e-mails concerning this tape and am grateful, too, that many of you recognized the actions of these three Soldiers are not representative of the US Army.

We continue to carefully examine the video footage. We know from the uniforms and the unit patches the video was shot in the late 2003 to late 2004 timeframe. Again, we know the unit, but have yet to identify the individuals who were present three years ago. We consulted the appropriate experts, who are making inquiries into the matter, along with the unit’s present-day leadership. We are trying to determine who is responsible as well as what appropriate actions can and should be taken.

Cruelty to animals is not in keeping with our values-based organization. I ask to you understand this is not at all representative of our Soldiers. In fact, it has been my personal experience in 27 years of service, and in deploying to difficult and challenging environments such as the Balkans in the mid-1990’s, and both Afghanistan and Iraq, that American Soldiers – the overwhelming majority of all American Soldiers – are kind to animals, in particular dogs, because they remind us of home. On a personal note, there has always been a canine companion in the Cucolo family. Like the vast majority of my fellow Soldiers, I have soft spot in my heart for all animals.

The airing of this video has had other effects, too. Part of my duties includes training critical communication skills to our senior officers and non-commissioned officers (sergeants) who are headed to key command positions. I now use this video in that training as a tool to show Army leaders the far-reaching impact of the negative acts of a misguided few.

The American Armed Forces remains one the most respected institutions in the United States today. But all of us in uniform know how perishable such a position is: the images of a few undisciplined individuals, the images of heartless acts perpetrated against fellow human beings or helpless animals, can destroy support for our institution and all that we stand for. Every day my fellow Soldiers and their teammates conduct themselves in a manner of which you could be proud. They commit many acts of personal bravery and great sacrifice – sometimes resulting in their wounding or death. I ask all those reading this not to assume those in the video in question are typical of this wonderful group of men and women.

We will continue to pursue this issue and strive to see that this does not happen again.

Proudly serving you,

Tony Cucolo
Brigadier General, US Army
Chief, Public Affairs
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Saturday February 10, 2007, 1:54 pm
Elaine, thank you so much, I wish I could send you millions of greenstars!
 

Elaine R. (26)
Saturday February 10, 2007, 4:45 pm
Thank you Eles and Elaine A for updating all of us and for getting the message out to people who are able to do something about the situation; hopefully, they will do something. Below is an email I received from Senator Martinez, FL, in response to my email to him. Notice the terminology he uses; he does not say he contacted the DOD, but that he urges them to conduct an investigation. In my opinion, although he apparantly addressed my email personally, he did not actually do anything in response to my concerns. Typical.

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:


Dear Mrs. Rimbach:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns over a web video of U.S. soldiers mistreating an injured dog. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

As you know, recent reports have claimed that a video has come out of Iraq depicting several American servicemen physically abusing a dog. These reports depict an egregious act on the part of those involved, and I urge the investigative branches of the Department of Defense to determine the legitimacy of this video and take appropriate action.

As a pet owner and son of a veterinarian, I share your concerns regarding cruelty to animals. Like you, I believe that all animals must be treated properly and humanely. Please rest assured that I will keep your concerns in mind as my colleagues and I in the Senate continue to work through the 110th Congress.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator
 

Past Member (0)
Sunday February 11, 2007, 10:39 am
Eles and Elaine R: Many thanks for sharing your replies from the Public Affairs Officer in London and Senator Martinez from Florida, respectively. At least they addressed the actual issue raised in your letters (whether or not they can do something about the problem is another matter). I, however, received only generic form letters from the California Senators Boxer and Feinstein. They made no reference to anything I wrote. Both offices sent useless general replies about the war in Iraq and neither one mentioned the video or the dog. I don't think they even read my letter.
 

Kim T. (118)
Tuesday February 13, 2007, 1:55 pm
I am at a loss for words and for me, that is rare. Perhaps the photos of Soldiers I've seen with Iraqi families and children showing their sense of caring for the citizens was just pure propaganda to fool us because NO ONE with a heart could be so cruel to a poor defenseless animal. It just disgusts me. But then again, they were extremely cruel to prisoners. If they could be vicisious to an imprisoned human, an animal means nothing. They are there to PROTECT Iraqi citizens and in my opinion that includes the animals as well.
 

Katherine Mac Donald (28)
Wednesday March 21, 2007, 4:51 am
Doesnt That Make You PROUD? Disgusting, no heart.
 

Emily G. (9)
Tuesday April 3, 2007, 11:28 am
Sorry guys, I do not think PTSD is an excuse or a major comtributor to this kind of abusive behavior. I have known a few vets w/ it, and while they weren't the happiest guys, none wouldhave done something like this. I cannot believe yo defend these ppl by citing e mental disorder. These guys are prob the same ones torturing ppl over there. Horrible.
 

Summer W. (10)
Friday April 6, 2007, 2:29 pm
well. Soldiers are brainwashed to be violent and have very little emotion, so they can kill.
I am not surprised.
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Friday April 6, 2007, 7:43 pm
Soldiers are "taught" to be violent .. our young men and women are TAUGHT TO KILL PEOPLE and maim and orture creatures ...

do you really believe our "soldiers" are "fithting" for your survival ... or is it for the survival of BIG OIL and BIG PHARMA????
 

Blue Bunting (855)
Friday April 6, 2007, 7:45 pm
Send this posted message to your Congressional Representatives and your $enators ... ask them what was done to punish this unvarnished hatred and violence against another living creature ...

and please ... post the results of your answers from your Repre$entative$ and $enator$ right here on cre2 so we can all evaluate who is actually representing us.
 

Handipets Haven (26)
Tuesday October 23, 2007, 1:03 am
Completely disgusting! What a way to represent your country! To throw rocks at a crippled dog and to laugh about it...it's no better than hurting a child. It's a defenseless creature and this is what brings about laughter in their spare time?
 

Janie Johnson (0)
Saturday November 24, 2007, 2:01 pm
This Really disturbed me...i couldn't bring my self to watch it....but just by reading your comments...its sickens me to know that that Nothing has been done about it....i know its hell over there...but that is NO reason to hurt a poor animal like that...i sent the video link to someone from peta..maybe they can get the word out...if i hear anything else i will post it here and let everyone know....
 

Janie Johnson (0)
Saturday November 24, 2007, 2:14 pm
Okay i just Found this while searching


SOLDIERS CAUGHT ON TAPE STONING CRIPPLED DOG; PETA CALLS FOR COURTS-MARTIAL AND OFFERS $5,000 REWARD

Online Video Shows Soldiers’ Throwing Rocks, Laughing at Seriously Injured Dog

For Immediate Release:
January 17, 2007

Contact:
David Perle 757-622-7382

Baghdad — A disturbing video allegedly taken from a CD found in Baghdad’s Green Zone apparently shows American soldiers’ throwing rocks at a crippled dog and laughing as the dog hobbles away on two legs. "That is the funniest thing I’ve ever seen in my life," one person is heard saying. "You wanna go over and kill it?" asks another. The identities of the soldiers shown in the video footage are unknown, which is why PETA is offering as much as $5,000 for information identifying and locating the men involved.
Pointing out that all cruelty-to-animals cases—even those that take place in a war zone—must be taken seriously, PETA is calling for a criminal investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be court-martialed if they are found to be in the military.
According to leading mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to humans and other animals. Steven D. Green, the former soldier accused of orchestrating the murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and her family, had previously set a puppy on fire and threw the animal off a roof, according to testimony at his alleged coconspirators’ court-martial hearing.
"The men in this video are a disgrace to their unit and to their country," says PETA Foundation staffer William Rivas-Rivas, a former Navy officer and a Persian Gulf veteran. "They are cowards, taking their aggression out on the most defenseless being available to them. The ‘best of the best’ don’t behave like cruel, bullying thugs."
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact PETA’s Domestic Animal Abuse department at DAWR&I--PETA@peta.org or 757-622-7382, extension 8037.
Video footage of the incident can be viewed at http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6445f9fdd7. For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com.
 
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