Local animal advocates gathered in Hunting Park Thursday night in a rally against animal abuse.
The event, called “Justice for Chloe and Hercules” began at 7 p.m. at the Pennsylvania SPCA headquarters on East Erie Avenue. Organizers say the purpose of the rally was to create awareness of extreme forms of animal cruelty and how it negatively impacts the community.
The rally comes in the aftermath of two recent, horrific cases of animal cruelty. Last week, a male pit bull puppy was found in West Oak Lane. Investigators say the dog was set on fire and left to die.
The approximately 4-month-old puppy, named Hercules by the PSPCA staff, suffered extreme burns on his legs and back and possible smoke inhalation. He continues to recover.
“I miss Chloe,” said the dog’s owner Danielle Brown, who attended the rally. “Chloe was a really good dog. I’m just upset at whoever did this to her.”
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams attended the event, along with his dog Henry.
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“Children need to be taught the appropriate ways to care for animals,” said Williams. “This education that the SPCA offers will help children and neighbors to identify people that aren’t caring for animals appropriately.”
The PSPCA says tonight’s rally was the launching pad for a new program to teach young people about the humane treatment of animals. They hope to raise $100,000 for the program.
Officials continue to investigate both Chloe’s death as well as the latest incident. They are unsure if the two cases are connected.
