July 2, 2009 in News

Suspect identified in dog assault case

Sara Leaming The Spokesman-Review

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Huckleberries Online: What should be the punishment for the individual convicted of this crime?

Spokane police have probable cause to arrest a 20-year-old man for brutally assaulting a small dog June 22 outside Spokane’s City Hall.

Police are looking for Michael J. Jones for first-degree animal cruelty in connection with the case.

Jones is accused of throwing a 4-year-old Shih Tzu named Cocoa Butter against a wall, after smashing a car window outside City Hall, pulling the dog out and swinging her from her leash.

The dog’s owners, Louise and Tom Tuffin, left her in the car while they went to see a movie, returning several hours later to find the dog laying on the sidewalk.

Jones was identified in a surveillance video, walking past the car.

The dog appears to bark at the man, sending him into a violent rage. He smashed the Volvo’s window, grabs the dog and assaults her. A female is seen trying to pull him away.

Jones is now listed as a Crime Stoppers fugitive, and a $50 reward for information that leads to his arrest is being offered. Also available is a $5,000 award, offered in partnership with the Humane Society and Red Lion Hotels.

Jones pleaded guilty early this year to two counts of third-degree assault, according to previous news reports.

Anyone who knows Jones’ whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (509) 327-5111 or (800) 222-TIPS, or submit a tip online.