This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

To know your dog has been tortured and killed is horrific, but to learn that a family member who was responsible for caring for the animal companion is the one who did it is unimaginable. Tragically, that was the case for a Connecticut man's German shepherd, who was brutally killed by his nephew. Demand maximum penalties in this case!

On December 27, 2023, police arrested Domenico Zaccone for allegedly torturing and killing his uncle's 3-year-old German shepherd Paco and hiding the body last August.

An investigation was launched when police responded to a call regarding a person in distress at Zaccone's house, where they learned Paco was missing. After further investigation, they found Paco's remains in a wooded area nearby.

The account of what happened is very disturbing and hard to read:

Paco had three different collars tied together to restrain him and was secured in such a way that he could not move away from the violence. The arrest warrant claimed that Paco had “sticks shoved up each nostril” as well as “a large stab wound (approximately 2") to his torso." He also had "puncture wounds to his neck and face areas," from the steel tines of the rake the police found. Additionally, "Paco's feet appeared rubbed raw as if Paco was bound or dragged,” and a branch had been shoved between Paco's neck and the collars, which was likely to have been used to choke Paco.

Zaccone has been charged with the malicious wounding or killing of an animal, a first-degree felony. Zaccone is due back in the Stamford Superior Court on January 31.

Anyone who loves their animal family can identify with the pain Paco's guardian endured. Join thousands of fellow animal advocates in asking for maximum justice for Paco and his guardian.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.