On Tuesday, September 10, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and law enforcement agencies called on the public to help locate a suspect who left food on a sidewalk in Pasadena that may be harmful to dogs.
Barger urged residents and employees near Foothill Boulevard in Pasadena to help identify the suspect who left “grapes and chocolate, along with rice or noodles to lure dogs to eat” on the street. Security footage released showed a man crossing the sidewalk near a dog daycare and boarding facility called “East Pasadena Dogtopia.”
In a statement, Barger expressed her anger, saying, “I am outraged that someone would intentionally harm dogs and their innocent owners out for a leisurely walk,” and emphasized that this person must be identified and stopped immediately. Animal cruelty cannot be tolerated, she added, calling it completely wrong.
Jacks Vasquez, the general manager of East Pasadena Dogtopia, said that the man captured on the surveillance video had been targeting this specific area of Foothill Boulevard for months, leaving grapes and chocolate drops on the sidewalks between Sierra Madre Boulevard and Rosemead Boulevard.
Vasquez stated, “Knowing that someone is doing this in broad daylight makes me extremely uneasy,” and highlighted the potential dangers of even small amounts of grapes, which can be fatal to dogs, and the risks of chocolate consumption, leading to serious illness and costly veterinarian bills.
Pasadena Police Department Chief Gene Harris emphasized in a statement that reports can be made directly to the Pasadena Police Department, and they will investigate thoroughly. Any verified reports of animal abuse will be treated with utmost seriousness and robust enforcement.
If anyone has information related to this case, they are encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4501 or visit cityofpasadena.net/police and click on the “Report a Crime” link to submit a report. ◇