Police in Phoenix, Arizona, are trying to identify a suspect in the killing and mutilation of a 6-month-old Chihuahua named "Taco," who was found sliced in half last week.
"I don't understand why they did [this]," Humberto Medina, the dog's owner, told MyFOXPhoenix.com. "He was just a little dog. He cannot hurt anybody."
According to Humberto, he and his family were gone on a short trip to California last week, during which time one of his older sons had been checking in on Taco and ensuring he had plenty of food and water.
When the family returned on Saturday, Humberto looked out his kitchen window and made the horrific discovery, which he later described to Azcentral.com.
"I was looking at him and it didn't make sense to me," Medina said. "I was shaking my head. No, this cannot be Taco."
Humberto's son said he had checked on Taco at approximately 9:00 a.m. Saturday and the animal was fine. Hence, the killer struck sometime between then and 3:30 p.m., when Humberto and his family returned from their trip.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, the wounds inflicted upon Taco were intentional and not caused by another animal. Investigators have collected blood droplets from the scene, in an attempt to determine if Taco bit his attacker. If he did, DNA evidence in the blood could be used to identify the individual.
"Whoever committed this horrific act of animal cruelty should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and undergo psychological counseling," Carmine Cardamone, director of the Tucson-based Animal Defense Council (ADC), told KOLD.com. "We are deeply concerned that the person or persons who perpetrated this barbaric crime will commit more acts of animal abuse, and will eventually harm people in the community."
Humberto and his family moved to the area approximately three years ago. Since that time, they have been the victims of several acts of vandalism, which they believe are racially motivated.
"My wife and I work real hard, real hard to have a good life here in the United States," Humberto told News.ktar.com. "I don't think anybody has the right to do something like this. We are normal people, we are going to work. I work hard, we are U.S. citizens. I don't do harm to anybody. I pay for my house, I pay my bills."
Police do not have any suspects at this time; however they are actively questioning Humberto's neighbors to see if they can shed some light on the case. Police have yet to comment on a motive but the person responsible for the crime probably lives in the neighborhood and is familiar with the family's comings and goings.
Silent Witness is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Taco. The ADC is also offering a reward of $500.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.