Klutzy2508's Blog

March 14, 2008   Newsletter from ASPCA

USMC Responds To ASPCA Request To Release Findings Of Investigation Surrounding Shocking Video
On Friday, March 7, the ASPCA issued a press release urging the United States Marine Corps to release the findings of its investigation of a video clip showing a member of the military—seemingly a Marine—flinging a puppy across a rocky landscape. The ASPCA also urged concerned citizens to contact the USMC to voice their outrage. Response to our release by humanitarians nationwide was enormous—and prompted a reply from the USMC.

USMC RESPONDS TO ASPCA REQUEST TO RELEASE FINDINGS OF INVESTIGATION SURROUNDING SHOCKING VIDEO
On Friday, March 7, the ASPCA issued a press release urging the United States Marine Corps (USMC) to release the findings of its investigation of a video clip that appeared last week on several popular Internet sites. The grainy video shows a member of the military—seemingly a Marine—flinging a puppy across a rocky landscape. The video caused public outcry, and was featured on television news programs and covered by major news agencies, including the Associated Press. Although audio irregularities have caused some question about the video’s authenticity, the USMC has gone on record, deeming its content "deplorable" in a March 5 statement.

“The ASPCA understands and shares the outrage generated by this video,” says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres. “With 66 percent of American households owning pets, we are clearly a country and a society that values the human-animal bond. It is horrifying that a member of the United States military—a body of people tasked with upholding the honor of our country—would perform such a cruel and deliberate act against a defenseless animal.”

The ASPCA also urged concerned citizens to contact the USMC to voice their outrage. Response to our release by humanitarians nationwide was enormous—and prompted communication from BGen Robert E. Milstead, Jr., Director, Marine Corps Public Affairs. “I have a dog and a cat, both rescued, so I can understand the disgust and outrage felt by those who have viewed the deplorable video of a Marine throwing a small puppy off a cliff,” writes BGen Milstead. “I can tell you that an official investigation is underway. The results of this investigation will establish the facts. Facts, not emotion, will be the basis used by these Marines' commanders in their determinations to include appropriate punishment. The actions of these Marines are clearly not consistent with that of the overwhelming majority of Marines who serve our nation with both courage and honor. Again, I understand everyone's outrage and demand for swift justice, but due process is a right afforded to all.”

If you have not already done so and wish to comment on the incident, the USMC encourages you to contact the Public Affairs Office of Marine Corps Base Hawaii (where the Marine believed to be in the video is stationed) at mcbh.pao.fct@nmci.usmc.mil.