(updated: August 24th, 9:10pm) Autopsy results are in on the tiny, defenseless dog Albany Police say three young boys beat to death with sticks.
Encon Pathologist Ward Stone says the dog has bruising consistent with a beating. He adds it would not take much to hurt or kill the 8-pound Pomeranian.
The dog's lifeless body was found in some nearby bushes on Seymour Street in Albany's south end Thursday. Police say witnesses say the boys, between ages 11 and 14, all African-American, and on bicycles, were hitting the dog with sticks as it ran down the street. The boys then took off.
Jeannie Owens owned the 9-year-old Pomeranian, who's name was "Gizmo". It also turns out that Owens works for the Albany Public Safety Commissioner and the Chief of Police.
J.J. Walsh, Owens' husband, says Gizmo was so small he could fit into your pocket. Walsh also says the dog could never harm anyone, and wants to know who would do something like this.
The beating began in the middle of one block, and the kids pursued him for a whole block. A local man, who does not want to be identified, saw part of the beating. He says he saw a kid beating the bushes and then they found the dog's body.
The owner's daughter says the tiny dog squeezed through a small opening in their fence and got loose.
Jeannie Owens works at Public Safety Headquarters for the Commissioner and the Police Chief. Albany Police Detective Jimmy Miller says the crime is as bad as it is, but made even worse when it affects one of their own. Gizmo's beating death has left all involved shaking their heads in disbelief. Walsh says he can not understand the parents of these kids.
Police continue to investigate. If the three boys are found, then family court will handle their punishment. Unfortunately, the young boys can not be tried as adults under Buster's Law because of their age.
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