Pet dog drenched in gasoline, beaten

GUAM—Drenched in gasoline and beaten with rocks.

That’s the condition a family pet dog named Zeus was found on Tuesday night. Guam Animals In Need is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person(s) responsible for the vicious attack.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, sometime before 9:30pm, a person or persons trespassed onto the private property of Rossane Ikertang on Swamp Road in Dededo. They drenched her dog, Zeus, with gasoline, and beat him so severely that blood was found splattered on the outside walls of the home. Bloody rocks, including a large piece of cinder block, were found at the scene. When Zeus was found, the 5-year-old half pit-bull and half boonie mix was terrified and in severe pain.

Ikertang called the Dededo precinct Tuesday night and asked to file a police report, but found they were dismissive of her concerns. “They didn’t ask for details, the condition of Zeus, or anything,” she said. She was told that due to other priorities, an officer would respond if available. She was given no further instructions or case number. Ikertang stayed up until 2:30am, but no officer arrived or called. To date, nobody from GPD has visited or contacted her. “I just want to file a police report, to help stop this monster,” said Ikertang.

Ikertang then reached out to GAIN and local Facebook animal welfare groups, including Guahan Paws for Pets who posted about the attack on social media. Wednesday morning, with the help of local animal welfare advocate Tinamarie Guzman, she took Zeus to Animal Medical Clinic.

Zeus reeked of gasoline, and had to be quickly washed. The subsequent medical evaluation found severe injuries. Numerous teeth were damaged, shifted, or knocked out, and Zeus’ left eye was swollen nearly shut. Zeus is currently staying overnight at the veterinary clinic, and recovery is touch and go. Upcoming X-rays should reveal the extent of the damage, and if Zeus is able to recover, surgery will likely be needed.

Zeus’ medical care may be very costly. Donations to help Zeus and his family can be made at Animal Medical Clinic.

“I’m scared for my daughter, myself, and of course Zeus. Somebody tried to set my pet on fire and beat him to death. How can we feel safe?” said Ikertang. “My daughter cried herself to sleep. She’s traumatized after seeing her best friend hurt like this.”

“We have no idea why GPD didn’t respond,” said GAIN board president, Cyrus Luhr. “Research shows that people who attack animals also attack humans. And we have a monster on the loose who tried to set a pet dog on fire. Do we have to wait until there’s a murder?”

“We need to find the attacker before others are hurt,” said Luhr. “We’re asking GPD to explain what happened, and to explain how they plan to protect Ms. Ikerlang, her daughter, and Zeus,” he added.

“If you have information about this attack, please come forward. You can collect the $1,000 reward and still remain anonymous,” said Luhr. The $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest is made possible by private donors.

Anyone with information about these violent crimes is urged to contact GPD, GAIN at 653-4246, or Guam Crime Stoppers at 477-HELP (4357) or guam.crimestoppersweb.com. (PR)