DC Woman Arrested for Allegedly Beating Yorkie

A local DC resident, Kristina Washington of Savannah Terrace SE, was arrested Tuesday for allegedly beating her 6-pound, 1-1/2 year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix dog named Roxie and for failing to provide Roxie with necessary medial care, according to the Washington Humane Society.

Washington was arrested early Tuesday morning, booked and processed through the DC jail.
If she is charged with a felony she can receive up to five years per count. If she is charged with a misdemeanor, she can receive up to 180 days per count, the Human Society said.

“Our hope is that she is brought up on two counts of felony charges for severely beating an animal and not providing medical care,” said Scott Giacoppo, Chief Community Animal Welfare Officer for WHS. “The decision will be up to the US Attorney’s office.”

Washington Humane Society Humane Law Enforcement Officer Victoria Keyes found Roxie “barely able to move as a result of what appeared to be suspicious injuries,” the Humane Society said.

Radiographs revealed Roxie was suffering from numerous fractures throughout her entire body, the Humane Society said, including: multiple skull fractures, approximately 11 spinal fractures, four fractures to the ribs, five limb fractures, and numerous fractures in the left rear foot.

All of the fractures were found to be in various stages of healing, with some breaks showing signs of having occurred multiple times, according to the Humane Society. Her left leg is described as having been broken so many times without being properly set to heal, that it resulted in a part of the bone being absorbed by the body tissue, the group noted.

“In her short life she has seen so much pain and suffering,” said Scott Giacoppo, chief community animal welfare officer for WHS. “This case is just heartbreaking.”

Roxie is still under close medical supervision as she recovers from two surgical repairs - one to a front leg and another on her rear leg, the group said. The costs for her medical care are already in the tens of thousands of dollars, and are expected to rise significantly, according to WHS.

Members of the community who are interested in offsetting the cost of care for Roxie and other animals in need of emergency medical assistance, are encouraged to donate to WHS’ Sophie’s Fund by visiting www.washhumane.org/SavingRoxie.

The Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Department investigates more than 1,400 complaints of animal cruelty each year. The program has four full-time Humane Law Enforcement officers who respond to cruelty complaints 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The officers rescue hundreds of dogs, cats and other animals each year from neglect and abuse, many of whom are later adopted into new homes.

The most serious cases are brought to the attention of the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Roxie is one of these cases, the group said Monday.