Maximum 10-year sentence for man who sexually abused chihuahua

Image: Not the abused Chihuahua

From Examiner
By Bonnie Snider

Sacramento, CA:  In a sign that perhaps the sexual abuse of animals will no longer be tolerated, a chronic methamphetamine user, Robert Edward De Shields, who strangled and sexually abused an 8-month-old chihuahua was sentenced to 10 years and must register as a sex offender.  (Source.)

De Shields, who is confined to a wheelchair due to failing health, was found guilty last month of the offense of animal cruelty.  His attorney argued that he had “only been convicted of animal abuse”, and should not be sentenced or treated as a sex offender.  The fact that the judge saw otherwise is huge for animals everywhere.

De Shields had rented a property and when the homeowners returned, they found the little dog in shock and pain in the garage, unable to move.  A veterinarian later determined that the dog had severe injuries to the rectum and internal organs from being raped.

De Shields was a repeat offender who had only been out of jail for a few months before being arrested on this offense.  The judge stated that he was a threat to society, and that was the reason for imposing the maximum sentence.

De Shields was sentenced under “Jessica’s law“, which was created after the case of little Jessica Lunsford in Florida, who was kidnapped, raped and buried alive by a neighbor.  The law allows for convictions of sexual abuse to cross species, and this is the first case in which that was done.

The little dog named Shadow, has been in foster care since being seized in this case.  He has healed from his physical injuries, but even today shows fear of men.  More than likely, he will never recover from the psychological and emotional trauma.  It’s a shallow victory for the little dog, but at least for once justice was served when it comes to the rape or abuse of an animal.

Crimes such as this seem to be ones that humans would rather pretend don’t exist.  But they do, and for the animals it’s a nightmare that no living being should have to endure.  Unless and until we recognize these crimes and provide the maximum punishments under the law they deserve, they will continue.

At least for this one tiny dog, justice has been served.

Click here to read more about this story.

Click here to read about Janey, another sexually abused dog for whom justice is pending and voices are needed.

See Previous: Need emails by noon Wednesday for raped Chihuahua

this loser’s misery has just begun
the boys in the big house
are going to have some fun:(

Karen Lyons Kalmenson