Court Date Set For June 1st
  

Woman Torches Dog To Death; Caught Bragging On Facebook
St. Louis Animal Cruelty Task Force Seeks To Avenge Murdered Dog in Notorious Abuse Case

St. Louis, Missouri (July 25, 2013) – St. Louis’ Mayor Slay Animal Cruelty Task Force has made a felony arrest in one of the most notorious animal cruelty cases in history. Task Force members were shocked to find the suspected abuser, Adrienne Martin, set fire to a defenseless dog of the 4300 block of Cote Brilliante Avenue and later posted on Facebook, bragging about her horrific crime. The dog, Brownie, was rescued on July 10, 2013 from a short, extremely heavy chain and rushed to Stray Rescue of St. Louis for emergency medical treatment for severe burns after being lit on fire all over his face and body. Brownie was helpless in escaping his abuser because he was anchored by a chain. He later died.

Martin has been charged with felony animal abuse and knowingly burning. “I’m on killa mode… kill dogs… today,” Martin posted on her Facebook page. “I mean what I say and I say what I mean… all dogs don’t go to heaven.”

“This is one of the most disturbing abuse cases I have ever dealt with,” said Founder of Stray Rescue Randy Grim, who combats multiple animal abuse cases on a weekly basis. “It has stricken our community to the core of our hearts, but I am inspired by how swiftly we have been able to respond to these awful cases. Brownie deserves justice.”

Though St. Louis’ Mayor Slay Animal Cruelty Task Force started in October 2012, the group has already made huge waves in animal cruelty law enforcement, having investigated over 100 cases, making over 25 arrests, and issuing over 300 animal control citations since October 1, 2012.

“This demonstrates again that we are serious about this,” said Mayor Slay. “Our Animal Cruelty Task Force will continue to catch and arrest criminals who torture or hurt animals."
 
After discovering Brownie, there was a public outcry of support, frustration, and rage on Stray Rescue’s social media page. Concerned citizens sympathized with the pain and suffering Brownie endured in his final days, with third degree burns covering his body and face.

“We see a ton of abuse cases, far too many, but the way in which Brownie suffered really struck a nerve with everyone,” said Grim. “Our community is sick and tired of these horrific crimes, and animal abusers everywhere need to know their crimes won’t be tolerated and you will be arrested.”

Stray Rescue, a nonprofit, plays a critical role in the Task Force, often being the first responder to horrific abuse and neglect cases. The rescue and shelter organization, which also focuses heavily on community outreach and preventative programs, utilizes The Stracks Fund, their emergency medical fund, to help ensure dogs like Brownie have access to continuous medical care. The Stracks Fund was hit hard and depleted by the increase in abuse and heat-related cases this summer. Stray Rescue manages to push forward with the help of a compassionate, united animal-loving community. Donations are needed for this vital fund.

Stray Rescue reminds citizens that there are ordinances in place in many cities across the country regarding the tethering of dogs.

The Task Force is leading the way in St. Louis not only in the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of animal abuse and neglect, but also in tackling the problem from a preventative standpoint. It is not enough to put offenders in jail. The Task Force seeks to share information and resources, developing relationships with people in the community in order to end the cycle of abuse and offer help to those who truly want to see significant, lasting change in their neighborhoods.
 

While we are unable to give details regarding this case, as the investigation is ongoing, we are compelled to share part of Brownie's story due to the outpouring of concerned responses and support via social media. Brownie lived his days on a short, heavy chain, and fell victim to a callous, abusive person. He is currently fighting for his life at Veterinary Specialty Services.

Brownie's recovery will be agonizing and slow-going, but he has a survivor's spirit like so many we rescue. The resiliency of these abused and neglected companion animals is nothing short of a miracle, and it is incredibly heartbreaking and frustrating to deal with the increase of abuse cases during the summer. If you are able to donate to The Stracks Fund to help with Brownie's extensive medical costs, please click the icon below. Every bit helps to ensure Brownie, and those like him, are assured continuous medical care, so they are able to recover, love, and be loved.

The Mayor Slay Animal Cruelty Task Force is a leading force in St. Louis not only in the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of animal abuse and neglect, but also in tackling the problem from a preventative standpoint. It is not enough to put offenders in jail. The Task Force, of which Stray Rescue plays a critical role, seeks to share information and resources, developing relationships with people in the community in order to end the cycle of abuse and offer help to those who truly want to see significant, lasting change in their neighborhoods.

Since October 1st, 2012, over 100 cases have been investigated, over 24 arrests have been made, and over 200 animal control citations have been issued. That is significant progress.

“It’s definitely changed the landscape; there used to be a dog on every corner,” said Randy Grim, Stray Rescue's Founder. “We’re building a dynamic, special relationship with North St. Louis and there’s been an incredible response from the community in reporting cases.”

The St. Louis Beacon is the most recent publication to pick up on the success of this robust task force. You can read the entire article by clicking here.

Out of respect and compassion for Brownie and every other animal forced to experience the world from the length of only a short, oppressive chain, please remember there is a chaining ordinance in St. Louis City (as shown below).