UPDATE: A turtle has tragically died following a brutal animal cruelty incident at the Valencia Town Center mall on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Authorities from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station confirmed the death after the injured turtle was transported to an emergency veterinary hospital for care.
The horrific event unfolded around 2:30 p.m. at The Patios, a popular outdoor shopping area within the mall. Deputies rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a man disturbing turtles housed in a pond, according to a social media post from the sheriff’s office. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the suspect, a 34-year-old transient from Van Nuys, was seen on security footage grabbing one of the turtles and violently slamming it onto the ground.
Despite immediate medical attention from Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control, the turtle succumbed to its injuries. Deputy Mariela Picard, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s station, stated in an email, “The turtle did not survive and passed away while under our care.” A necropsy is now being conducted to ascertain the exact cause of death as part of the ongoing investigation.
The transient suspect exhibited erratic behavior during the incident and resisted arrest, prompting the use of force by deputies, as reported by the sheriff’s station. Officials have identified him as the same individual mentioned in a 2018 missing person alert issued by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, highlighting his struggles with mental health issues.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among local residents and animal rights advocates. Many are demanding justice for the innocent turtle and stricter measures to address animal cruelty.
Authorities are actively investigating the matter and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with additional information. The investigation remains a top priority for the sheriff’s department, as they aim to prevent such acts of cruelty in the future.
As this story develops, updates will be provided to ensure the community is informed of any new findings or actions taken against the suspect. Please share this urgent news to raise awareness about animal cruelty and its serious consequences.
