Phoenix Police looking for suspects who shot, killed dog in front of children at a park

PHOENIX (FOX 10) -- Phoenix Police need the public's help to find and arrest two men they believe shot and killed a dog in a park, in front of children playing on a playground.

This disturbing crime took place in the area of 43rd Avenue and Maryland. Animal cruelty, especially an extreme case like this one, is a crime, and it can sometimes lead to crimes of violence against people. Now, Phoenix Police hope to get tips that will lead to arrests.

According to police officials, the incident happened at noon on Sunday, January 13, in West Plaza Park. A dog that was not on a leash was playing with the kids. Then, police say, two guys playing football came over and started to provoke the dog. One guy then lifted the dog up, and another guy shot it in the head. The guys then fled.

"My little brother came to the house. He was in the park and told me someone shot a dog," said Carlos Garcia. "Saw a black dog with white spots next couple days. He was in a garbage can."

Parents are understandably alarmed.

"I think it is something that needs to be clarified," said Edmundo Garcia. "My kids play in the park, walk the dogs. I want to know about it."

Kids have a message for the guys responsible for this unspeakably cruel act.

"I would say why would you do that to a little dog, or whatever kind of dog it was, to do that," said Max Garcia.

Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).