The Humane Society of the United States will pay a $2,500 reward to Vince Faltis for supplying law enforcement with critical information that led to the arrest and conviction of Charles Black in a horrific animal cruelty case in Oakland, Calif. Using Faltis’ video documentation of the crimes and other evidence, Black was convicted of two felony animal cruelty charges, and was sentenced to serve four years in prison for beating his dog with a crowbar and ax handle.
Eric Sakach, senior law enforcement specialist for The Humane Society of the United States, will personally commend Faltis during a press conference hosted by Oakland Animal Services at the Oakland Animal Shelter in Oakland, Calif., today at 1 p.m.
The Case: Oakland Animal Services Director Megan Webb gives the following account: On June 30, 2009, and on Feb. 19, 2010, Faltis witnessed his neighbor, Charles Black, savagely beating his pit bull, Blueberry, with an ax handle and crowbar. Each time he witnessed the abuse, Faltis called 911 and then started recording the horrific scene on his video camera. After reviewing Faltis’ video and other evidence, Oakland Animal Services and Oakland Police Department officers arrested Black on two felony animal cruelty charges. Black was convicted on both counts on Feb. 9 and was sentenced to serve four years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Blueberry was taken into the custody of Oakland Animal Services, recovered from his injuries, and was adopted by a loving family.
“Mr. Faltis is a true hero. His courageous act supplied law enforcement with the tools to fully prosecute Mr. Black for violently beating his dog,” Sakach said. “We are happy to reward Mr. Faltis for his selfless behavior, and for getting justice for Blueberry.”
Animal Cruelty: The Humane Society of the United States offers $2,500 rewards for information leading to convictions in the most egregious cases of animal cruelty committed across the country. Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
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