This was posted at a rescue group’s web site:

Dusty, a Labrador-Dalmatian, was scheduled for euthanasia after his first humans dumped him at the city pound. He eluded death by a mere 24 hours and found hope at the Granite City APA. One of the most popular puppies at the no-kill shelter, Dusty was lovingly released to his new home. That home included a young child. Dusty was left *unattended* with that young child, an almost 3 year old boy. The toddler, being a toddler, provoked Dusty and he nipped at him. The toddler was injured and required two stitches. What should have happened in this situation was to confine the dog, tend to the bite, and call animal control or another shelter to ask for assistance on how to handle this to prevent future biting. Instead of taking responsible actions, nearly 10 hours later, a 32 year old, Michael Welch (the toddlers father), came home from work with a sledgehammer, baseball bat, and vengeance on his mind. Welch took Duty, chained him to a pole then took that sledgehammer and that baseball bat and beat Dusty for an hour took a "beer break" and proceeded back to the blood spattered patio where he continued to beat the whimpering dog. Though neighbors heard Dusty's piteous yelps, Welch's wife and 3 children slept through the ordeal. Neighbors who heard the dog screaming, finally, called police but it was too late. Dusty was dead. Police were unable to recognize Dusty as a dog because of the viciousness of the beating. They were finally able to identify him because of his dog tag. On Saturday, June 9th, in St. Louis MO. from 12:30 am - 3:15 am Dusty, the most loved dog in the shelter, suffered a horrible, miserable death at the hands of his *guardian*. No one helped, no one heard. Dusty died alone, blood spattered and broken. Welch claims this was an "accident". We at Nuzzled would like to know at which point this became an accident. When Welch "accidentally" left his son unattended with Dusty? When Welch "accidentally" brought home a sledgehammer? When Welch "accidentally" picked that sledgehammer up and beat Dusty with it? Or when Welch was "accidentally" caught? This was no accident. This is a case of premeditated murder! Michael Welch knew full well what he was doing. He knew the minute he left work with sledgehammer in tow. We cannot let this "man" get away with Dustys murder! Please contact the prosecutor and ask that Michael Welch receive the MAXIMUM SENTENCE for this brutal act. Ask him to send a clear message that this type of cruelty will not be accepted.

June 27, 2001

Robert McCulloch,
Prosecutor
100 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105

Re: Michael Welch

Dear Mr. McCulloch:

I am writing to express my hope that you will seek the maximum possible punishment for Michael Welch, the man who mercilessly beat, tortured and murdered a helpless and innocent dog named Dusty. This sort of heinous crime must not be tolerated if ours is to be considered a "civilized" society.

Please send a clear message to all would-be animal abusers that this type of cruelty will be met with swift, harsh and just punishment. Mr. Welch should be sent away for life, but at the very minimum should receive the highest sentence allowed by law. On behalf of Dusty and all creatures without a voice in our justice system (as well as all of the two-legged creatures who love them), please make sure that this terrible tragedy does not go unanswered.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Christina J. Johnson
111 Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001

P.S. Considering the undisputed link between violence against animals and violence against humans, should this man really be a caretaker for a helpless three-year old boy? I think not.