PHOENIX – A woman was arrested Monday after police found evidence that she tortured and killed multiple dogs in a disturbing Mesa animal cruelty case, authorities said.
Brook Scalero, 42, was arrested two weeks after a journal allegedly belonging to her was turned into the Mesa Police Department on Nov. 4. The journal included detailed descriptions of the torture and death of animals under her care, police said.
Investigators said it’s possible that more than 10 dogs were tortured and five died at her hands.
Three dogs have been confirmed as victims in connection with the Mesa animal cruelty case: Pepe, Griffin and Gus.
What did police learn about Mesa animal cruelty case?
Scalero allegedly stole Pepe, a 3-year-old Maltese mix, from a Mesa shelter. PAWS Fur The Cause reported on June 7 that Scalero took home Pepe on May 19 with the promise of paying $500 that night, but she never came up with the money.
On Oct. 5, a veterinary hospital made a police report about a dead dog with injuries consistent with abuse that matched Pepe’s description. However, the animal’s microchip confirmed that it was Griffin, a dog registered to Scalero.
Meanwhile, a roommate of Scalero owned Gus, who died under the suspect’s watch. The roommate found the journal, which documented Gus’ death, among Scalero’s personal contents, according to police.
How did Mesa animal cruelty suspect respond to accusations?
After getting arrested for unrelated crimes on Friday, Scalero acknowledged that the journal was hers but said the stories were creative writings, police said. She also admitted to taking Pepe from the shelter without paying.
On Saturday, a dead dog was discovered behind a bush near Eighth Avenue and Extension Road. The dog was identified as Pepe through its microchip.
Police interviewed Scalero on Monday, when she allegedly admitted to being involved in the torture and death of Pepe, Griffin and Gus, police said.
She was booked into jail on the following counts, according to police:
- Cruelty to Animals, a class 5 felony.
- Cruelty to Animals-DV, a class 6 felony.
- Theft, a class 1 misdemeanor.
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