This alert is no longer active, but here for reference.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

A New York man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty and kidnapping after burning his dog alive and restraining a man who tried to intervene in order to force him to watch the horrific death. Urge the district attorney to pursue maximum penalties in this case!

On June 28, 2023, the New York State Police received a complaint about animal cruelty. During their investigation, it was determined that Jeremy J. Vankuren had people at his residence on June 19. According to a police department press release, “Allegedly during that time, Vankuren forcefully restrained a 28-year-old victim to a chair outside the residence. Vankuren then took his red-nosed pitbull and put it into a burning barrel in front of the victim. The victim was held against their will for multiple hours.”

When the Bureau of Criminal Investigation executed a warrant at the residence, they found the dog's burned body and other unnamed items relating to the incident.

Valkuren has been charged with two felonies for kidnapping and aggravated animal cruelty, and three misdemeanors for menacing, torturing/injuring/failure to provide sustenance, and obstruction of governmental administration. He was remanded to the Allegany County Jail for $20k cash or $40k bond.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference.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