Update on Bob the Turtle and his Owners
November 7, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
In July, a 42-pound African tortoire named Bob was stolen from the backyard of his home in Ventura, California, and mutilated by Jose “Tony” Mosqueda. Mosqueda was sentenced today to 270 days in jail and 5 years probation for felony animal cruelty, according to KNBC.com. Bob survived some horrific treatment: His legs and neck were slashed and his shell punctured; he was thrown against a wall. Mosqueda had to pay $5,400 in veterinary bills and other costs.
Meanwhile, the family who owns the tortoise says their pain continues, and the ordeal has been particularly hard on a 12-year-old autistic boy who was making great strides in his development before the vicious attack. The boy’s mother, Dorothy Sullivan, said the tortoise, named Bob, was her son’s lifeline “out of the silent world of autism,” KNBC’s Chuck Henry reported.
“Bob brought out my son’s speech, and allowed him to interact with the world,” Sullivan said. “Since Bob’s attack, my son has struggled; he has regressed tremendously.”
Sullivan also claims the family has been threatened, and she says the family’s dachshund was poisoned because she refused to drop the charges against Mosqueda. Police said they were continuing to investigate.
“We have received death threats, and I was told (my son and I) would ‘get one in the head; if we did not drop the charges,” Sullivan said. “… I have had to put my son in therapy, and his seizures have returned; he had been seizure-free for a year prior to this event. After years of working with my son he was having his best year. (But) … now my son is afraid that he will be taken and harmed. It is difficult for an autistic child to trust enough to leave the silent world of autism, and my son had finally emerged into our world. Now we have to fight to keep him from going silent again.”
Once again, one wonders if it’s really autistic children only who need to learn “social skills” and “appropriate behavior,” and compassion.
Cure Sociopaths Now!
Scary. Just scary. Animal mutilations — sick, and terrible for the animal and human victims.
That is the sickest thing I’ve ever heard! Not only did somebody torture an animal, but they are also torturing a boy with autism as well. Not to mention the threats against the boy’s family, and other pet. What the heck is the world coming too? This is disgusting!
I tried to think of a good way to describe that without “despicable”, “vile”, or some variation thereof in wording, but apparently it’s impossible. Having to agonize a boy for what seems to be sadism toward a turtle deserves far more than 270 days and a few bucks.
Cliff
These animal cruelty incidents tend to get tucked away in the individual’s criminal file. But law enforecement would be wise to follow up on these characters.
Who can forget that one time factory worker at a Milwaukee chocolate factory who also took a liking to torturing animals?
I second the comment above from Cliff. It is “despicable”.
I would like to second Andrea’s feelings about this. (Hope you don’t mind me being a Yes man on this one.)
Jose Antonio Mosqueda is a dirty spic wetback dothead nigger fuck that should be shot in the face along with every member of his family.
Just saw the story. A huge amount of rage and anger welled up inside me after I saw the story and read the article. In this world now it is best to protect yourself and those you love. Vengence may not be your answer but I hope ten fold this Jose charachter get’s deported or worse. 270 days in jail is absolutely nothing for harming an animal or even a human. Complete dirtbag! I wish you and your son and of course Bob, all the best!
When I heard of this unbelievable horrific example of human insanity I was brought to tears and speechlessness. I’m glad the waste of oxogen has been brought to justice and once again the questions turn up unanswered as to what brings such unbelievable behavior. Turtles are amazing creatures to begin with but to have such an amazing creature reach out an make contact with a young boy who needed contact tremendously is just another example of the inteligence and sensitivity of our fellow species living among us not getting the credit or respect they deserve. My love and prayers goes out to Bob and his family and may the world prouce more beauty then insanity in the future.
If you would like to keep up with Bob and how he is doing,
Justice for Bob website
http://web.mac.com/poppyvictoria/Site_12/HELP_THE_TORTOISE.html
Its sad that there are people like that in the world. It sickens me to think he would hurt an innocent animal. Only God can seek revenge and I hope that man gets what he deserves for hurting that tortoise and also the family.