Reward Grows In Poodle Abuse Case

Animal welfare activists rallied when a puppy named Davey was beaten, burned and euthanized. They created groups named after the dog including Davey’s Voice and Davey’s Legacy.

About a week after Davey’s abuser, Duanying Chen, was deported to China another case caught their attention.

Last Wednesday, a blind toy poodle named Sam disappeared from an Orcutt backyard. Last Friday, Sam was found dead after witnesses at a teachers rally saw the dog thrown from a passing pickup truck near the corner of Clark and Bradley.

Members of a coalition of animal groups that make up Davey’s Voice met for the first time in Montecito Wednesday night. Together they donated $4,000 for a reward. Their donation doubles a $4,000 reward fund created by Davey’s Legacy and the Animal Rescue Team in Solvang.

Gretchen Lieff of Davey’s Voice said, “This i the first time we’ve come together we’re saying no more enough is enough.” Lieff said the horror in Orcutt highlights their mission.

Sharon Kantanen of C.A.R.E. 4 Paws donated the final $1,000 on the spot in hopes it will lead to the conviction of the poodle’s abuser.

Lynne Shaw, the co-founder of the Diana Basehart Foundation said the FBI tracks animal abusers. She said animal abusers don’t stop with animals, they move on to children and women. “Its all connected, we’ve got to stop them, ” Shaw said.

Diana Basehart said she is enraged by the poodle’s death.

Investigators are looking for a maroon truck and may have its license plate number.

The dog’s owner Sophia Schwark lost children in a house fire more than a decade ago.

Friends and animal activists wants justice for her poodle and her family.

They say if you see something, say something by calling 911.

The coalition includes Shadow’s Fund, K-9 Pals, Cold Noses Warm Hearts, DAWG (Dogs adoption and Welfare Group) and All About The Animals.

For information about the coalition go to, daveysvoice.org.

For information about the separate organization called Davey’s Legacy run by Julia Jakob Di Sieno go to, Daveys-legacy.com or animalrescueteam.net