Fredricksburg, VA - The tragic dog drowning incident which happened back on December 7 was not only heart-wrenching - it angered many who read about what transpired.
On that fateful evening, a dog died when waters rose on the Hazel Run river following heavy rains.
The anger stemmed from what appeared to be a lack of compassion on the part of the police and fire department who responded.
The agencies stated that it was too dangerous to get to the dog with the steadily rising waters and the location (at the bottom of a steep embankment).
Those who read about the dog's plight wondered why there was no equipment to help free the trapped dog and would the response have been the same if it were a person in danger.
As is usual with most stories - there is more information on this tragedy - information which helps to explain the officials' response.
According to a release by Fredricksburg.com, the police did get close enough to see the dog with their flashlights, but they had no equipment to free him.
The police contacted the Fire Department, but by the time they arrived, the dog could no longer be heard - at that time, he was presumed to be dead.
In light of the dangerous terrain and steadily rising waters from the river, the heartbreaking decision was made to not pursue a rescue when the dog was already presumed to be dead.
The police were able to reach the dog's body the next day, after the flood waters had receded.
Sadly, the deceased dog was discovered chained to a tree - he never stood a chance against the swift moving water.
The police were dedicated to find the person responsible for leaving the dog chained next to the flooding river.
Through interviews and sifting through the records of homeless in the area, the dog's owners were identified.
According to Fredricksburg.com, the owners, John Strother, 27 and Nachelle Smith, 19, were located at the Cold Weather Homeless Shelter in Stafford on Friday.
The couple was charged with animal cruelty, animal abandonment and failure to provide adequate care and treament to an animal.
Both were taken to the Rappehannock Regional Jail.
The dog who died had a name - Rest in Peace Junior.
Thanks to the Fredricksburg Police for seeking out justice for this dog who was cruelly left behind by his owners.
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