Latest news with #HumaneRescueAlliance
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
Humane Rescue Alliance warning DC community of scheme targeting lost pet owners
WASHINGTON () — The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is warning the D.C. community of a fraudulent scheme targeting owners of missing pets. These swindlers have been posing as HRA staff or veterinary personnel, saying that they have found the owners' lost pets. They then are saying that the pet is hurt and needs urgent care, and go on to demand money for treatment before the pet can be returned. Fairfax County Animal Shelter waives adoption fees during Empty the Shelter Event 'These individuals are exploiting the emotional stress of pet loss to trick people into sending money,' the HRA said. The HRA wants everyone to know: These swindlers are watching for public lost pet posts to find their victims. They may use emotionally manipulative language and say that the pet was hit by a car and is in critical condition. They will pressure you to pay through payment apps, wire transfers or through gift cards. The HRA said it will never ask for money over the phone in return for a lost pet or for emergency treatment. Do not send money to anyone who says that they have found your lost pet. Protect yourself by hanging up on anyone who claims to be from the HRA and call the HRA directly at (202) 723-5730. If you feel that you are being targeted, report the suspicious behavior to the police and the FTC at . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Yahoo
Man plead guilty to fatally kicking dog at boarding facility
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A former City Dog employee pled guilty Wednesday to fatally kicking a dog in a boarding facility, according to the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA). The HRA said Jovan Hawkin pled guilty to fatally kicking a four-year-old Shih Tzu mix named Appa in May 2024 at a City Dogs boarding facility. Two men charged for stealing ATM from DC liquor store, police say According to the HRA, Hawkin initially claimed he slipped and fell on the dog, but after investigation by HRA Humane Law Enforcement, his story was proven false. After reviewing security footage and conducting a necropsy report, it was determined that Hawkin kicked the dog. The dog died after sustaining multiple blunt force traumas. The HRA explained this is the second recent instance of a dog being fatally kicked, with another man being sentenced for the same crime. The HRA said Adriano Demorais was recently sentenced for felony cruelty to animals after pleading guilty to fatally kicking a 5-month-old puppy named Bronny while working at District Dogs. The HRA said Demorais was sentenced to one year of probation, a $100 fine, 20 hours of community service, six months confinement suspended, and a stay away order stating he may not own, live with, care for, or work with animals. District Dogs to pay $100K to DC, improve safety after 10 dogs died in flood 'It is deeply troubling to know that two dogs were killed within the span of just a few months by those entrusted to keep them safe,' said Timothy Moyer, director of Animal Protection Operations at the Humane Rescue Alliance. 'While nothing can undo the harm done to Bronny and Appa, it is my hope that the outcomes of their cases will bring some measure of closure to their families.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
