DeKalb Police are investigating after Tucker residents found two dead dogs in a ditch near a little-known entrance to Henderson Park on Sept. 2.
Witnesses have a description of the man whom they believe dumped the dogs and his vehicle, a white BMW sports utility vehicle.
Olivia Rocamora, who lives near the site where the dogs were found, said her husband was searching for their dog, which had gotten loose around 5:55 p.m. when he noticed a man and several women standing next to a vehicle near the park’s entrance.
The man, Rocamora said, was pacing back and forth by the car near the park entrance at Donegal Court. The man, according to witnesses, left the area around 6:15 p.m.
A neighbor soon after alerted Rocamora that a dead dog wearing a black harness and covered in a white blanket was found in a ditch near the trail entrance. Upon further investigation, two dogs wearing the same type harness were found in the ditch.
Both resembled black labs, were without identification tags and seemed young, Rocamora said. A crate was also thrown in the ditch. The dogs’ cause of death was not apparent as Rocamora and other witnesses were not able to see any signs of trauma to them.
DeKalb Police came within 20 minutes, followed by DeKalb County Animal Control. Rocamora and others have gotten some surveillance camera footage that shows a car leaving the same area where the dogs were found.
“I feel like this must have been someone local because this isn’t a well-known entrance to the park,” Rocamora said. “We also think that the person may have come from the direction of Livsey Elementary [located on 4137 Livsey Road].”
Rocamora, a longtime volunteer with DeKalb County Animal Services, said the dogs’ deaths struck a chord with her and nearby residents.
“We should care for every living being, not just humans,” she said. “People should have fast and harsh consequences for animal abuse.”
Rocamora said she is also concerned about the reputation of Henderson Park, which she described as a “wonderful park.”
“We are huge proponents of this park,” she said. “We want to maintain a reputation that if you do something in this park, we will see you. If you see something, say something, so we can keep everyone safe.”
Rocamora complimented the DeKalb Police and animal services personnel for their swift response to the situation.
Rocamore received a message from DeKalb County Animal Services that said the organization would be sending the dogs to a veterinary diagnostic lab to determine their causes of death.
Rough Draft has contacted Det. BW England, who is investigating the case, and has filed an open records request with DeKalb Police.
Rocamora is seeking camera footage from businesses or residences that would help further identify the perpetrators. She can be contacted via email.
