Peticide: Seems like a dangerous time to have four legs in the District. First, a deer gets gunned down; now, a dog has been shot. On Christmas Eve, D.C. Animal Control found a blood-soaked young male Rottweiler in the street in the 4500 block of Lee Street NE. Initially, it was believed the dog had been hit by a car—but a vet later found it had been wounded by a large caliber rifle. “Because of his injuries the dog could not be saved,” says the Washington Humane Society. Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) is investigating the shooting, which is a felony. “We have leads and we’re following up on all of them,” says HLE program officer Scott Giacoppo. Anyone with information should call (202) 723-5730 ext. 240.

Trooper Headed for Adoption: Another victim of violence, Trooper, the pit bull left for dead in a Southeast Dumpster last summer, appears to be headed for a bright future. After recovering from her extensive physical injuries, possibly sustained while the pup was being used as a bait dog for bigger, more aggressive canines, Trooper was sent to an undisclosed location—a confidential facility where abused dogs are psychologically rehabilitated. According to Giacoppo, Trooper has been advancing through therapy with flying colors and is “a sweetheart.” “She’s nearing the completion of her rehabilitation and we anticipate she’ll be entering an adoption program real soon,” he says.

Dogs Need a Santa, Too: On Christmas Day, a WHS Humane Law Enforcement officer went throughout the city delivering toys stuffed with treats to dozens of guard dogs. No word on whether the officer traveled by sleigh.

Catch and Release: An HLE officer responded on Dec. 28 to a call about a stray cat trapped in a garage in the 700 block of Morton Street NW. The officer set a trap and the cat was captured and returned to its feral colony. It wasn’t the first time the WHS had run into the freewheeling animal: It had been sterilized as part of of the society’s Trap-Neuter-Return program.

Dead and Alive: On Dec. 29, police in Fairfax, Va., spent 12 hours removing animals—dead and alive—from the home of Megan Barber, 33, of Ramsgate Terrace. Police say they took away “over two dozen live cats, five dogs, a rabbit, three guinea pigs, a hamster and nine birds from the home, amidst cluttered conditions including animal feces and debris.” They also hauled away 28 carcasses. The living animals, most of which police say were underfed and dirty, have been taken to local veterinarians for evaluation. Barber is charged with animal cruelty and being an unfit animal owner.

Source: Washington Humane Society, Fairfax Police Department news release

Photograph of Trooper courtesy of the Washington Humane Society