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A 76-year-old man from Spokane, Washington, is now facing charges after attempting to euthanize his dog in a gruesome manner. Wayne Johnson’s actions not only raise concerns about animal cruelty but also shed light on the importance of responsible pet caretaking and humane end-of-life decisions.
On September 14, Wayne Johnson was arrested in Laughlin, Nevada, and charged with malicious torture to kill an animal after a gruesome incident involving his dog, Kea. Johnson admitted to police that he had beaten Kea over the head with a hammer in an attempt to render her unconscious. He then proceeded to stab her in the head and slash her throat. Shockingly, he left her in the Nevada desert, believing she would be consumed by wild animals because he saw it as “the circle of life.”
According to court documents obtained by local station KSNV, Johnson explained to police that he took these heinous actions because Kea was “getting too old and sick” and that he wanted to “put her down.”
Kea’s ordeal came to light when a concerned woman discovered her bleeding and injured near Nevada Telephone Cove and Red Hill roads on March 18. The dog had sustained multiple injuries, including numerous stab wounds to the head and throat lacerations. Despite her severe condition, Kea displayed a friendly disposition but appeared disoriented. The woman promptly reported the incident to the authorities.
Kea was transported for urgent medical treatment and received immediate care from veterinary staff at The Animal Foundation. Her injuries were so severe that she required surgery and a feeding tube in her throat. Despite the valiant efforts of the medical team, the severity of her injuries ultimately led to the heart-wrenching decision to euthanize her several days later.
The Animal Foundation staff identified Kea through a microchip, leading them to contact Johnson. When informed that his dog had survived the brutal attack and was stable after surgery, Johnson reportedly callously remarked that it was a waste of money on a “dying dog.” He claimed that Kea was old, sick with cancer, and had blood in her urine. However, The Animal Foundation disputed his claims, stating that their tests did not indicate cancer or urinary issues in Kea.
Johnson told authorities that he had taken Kea on a trail hike near Nevada Telephone Cove Road, a place that held sentimental value to him due to previous hikes with his dog. He then recounted the gruesome details of his attempt to euthanize Kea. He even asserted that his farming background provided him with the experience to carry out such actions, adding that he left when he believed he had “finished the job.”
While Johnson maintains that he did nothing wrong and does not believe he committed a crime, the legal system has taken a different stance. His arrest and subsequent charges highlight the importance of holding individuals accountable for acts of animal cruelty. This case serves as a stark reminder that there are humane and compassionate ways to handle end-of-life decisions for pets, and responsible pet parents should seek professional guidance when faced with such difficult choices.
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That lowlife should get the death sentence. If i had the power i would treat humans, the same way they treat dogs or any other animal. We are all God’s creatures big and small.