Santo Domingo. – The LASO Foundationthrough his Animal Defense Councilreported that the citizen Marino Castroaccused of poisoning several dogs in the urbanization Maximo Gomezin Villa Mellahas been detained since last Wednesday and that this Monday the measure of coercion before him Investigative Court of Santo Domingo, Judicial Office of Permanent Attention Services of Santo Domingo Este (SDE).
The court imposed as a measure periodic presentationwithout this implying, under any circumstances, the conclusion of the judicial process. The LASO Foundation clarified that the imposition of a coercive measure constitutes only a initial stage of the criminal processand that the case will continue its course in accordance with the mechanisms established by the Dominican justice system.
Repentance does not stop the process
During the hearing, the accused stated repentance and apologized to the family members and communities affected by the death of the dogs. However, the LASO Foundation emphasized that the personal statements of the accused they do not stop or replace criminal actionand that the facts must be known in depth by a background court.
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Legal representation
The legal process is led by the Ariza & Associates law firmmember of the Animal Defense Council of the LASO Foundation, and is managed directly by the lawyer José Ariza Jr.who has followed the file since its inception and was present at the hearing held this Monday.
The LASO Foundation reported that the next procedural step will be formally request the opening of a substantive trialwith the objective that the case is properly ventilated, all the evidence is assessed and responsibilities are established in accordance with the Law 248-12 on Animal Protection and Responsible Ownership.
A case documented with audiovisual evidence
As previously reported, the incident occurred on the morning of Tuesday, November 11when security cameras captured the accused throwing food laced with poison in front of a residence located in the Bernabé Boza street, house number 13Awhere there were community dogs fed in solidarity by residents of the sector.
The images show how the animals consume the toxic substance and die minutes later between seizuresin a fact that generated national outrage and deep pain in the community. The file has audiovisual evidence, testimonies, photographs and veterinary reportsalready deposited before the Public Ministry.
Justice must go to the end
The LASO Foundation reiterated that these types of actions not only constitute animal crueltybut they represent a danger to public safetyby involving the use of poisonous substances in community spaces where children, older adults and other animals travel.
“We appreciate that the authorities have acted and that the accused is subject to the process, but it is important that society understands that a coercive measure does not mean that the case is over. Justice must go to the end, and we will try to do so“, expressed the entity.
The LASO Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to provide continuous monitoring of the processaccompany affected families and set a clear precedent against animal crueltycalling on citizens to report any act of violence and not to remain silent in the face of events that threaten life and coexistence.
“Every life counts. And every act of cruelty must have consequences. Only in this way will we build a more just, empathetic and respectful society.”, concluded the organization.
