The Arizona Humane Society and Silent Witness are teaming up yet again in the hopes of solving a recent, heartbreaking case of animal cruelty. 

On Sunday, February 4, at approximately 9 a.m., a man living with his two dogs out of his van near a park at 12th Street and Elwood in south Phoenix was badly beaten and taken to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.  His van was then stolen, robbed, and set to fire with one of his beloved dogs still inside.  The dog, a female Labrador retriever mix named "Princess," died a painful, terrifying death inside the burning van.  Details of this incident are vague and authorities are still searching for clues and witnesses.  However, AHS and local law enforcement officials agree that it would have been nearly impossible for the offender(s) not to know that "Princess" was still inside the van when setting it to fire.  Anyone with any information regarding this case should call Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS.  Callers may elect to remain anonymous and may receive up to $5,000 if their clues lead to an arrest or indictment.     

"This case is tragic on so many levels," says Cheryl Naumann, AHS president and chief executive officer.  "This man and his dogs had little but each other, and some person or persons took that away from them in the most brutal, senseless, and horrifying way." Naumann continues, "We often try to educate people about the link between animal cruelty and other forms of social violence.  Unfortunately, this case presents the perfect example of that link and, for this reason, it is essential that anyone with information call authorities.  It's simply scary to imagine what else the perpetrator or perpetrators are capable of."