Coco, a two-year-old Shih Tzu that was stabbed September 21. (Photo courtesy Washington Humane Society)

The Washington Humane Society seeks to raise about $3,000 to help a two-year-old Shih Tzu recover from an attack in which the dog was stabbed seven times.

On its website, the organization reports that Coco, who belongs to a D.C. family, was severely wounded on September 21 by a family member with a history of mental illness. The dog was rushed to a veterinary hospital, while the suspect was taken in by the Metropolitan Police Department for review by a psychiatrist.

While the Humane Society is looking to solicit the money needed for Coco’s recovery, it is also hoping that the U.S. Attorney’s office presses charges against the suspect, who is acknowledged to be mentally handicapped.

“At the very least, we want it on record,” Scott Giacoppo, Washington Humane Society’s vice president of external affairs, said in a phone interview. “People with histories of violence often have histories of violence toward people. This way it’ll be known so that it continues it won’t be a first offense.”

Under D.C. law, animal cruelty with the intent to seriously maim or kill can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. When pressed on the logic of prosecuting an individual with a history of mental illness, Giacoppo conceded jail might not be the most appropriate option.

“It would depend on the extent of the mental handicap,” he said. “This person functions in day-to-day life to the best of my knowledge.”

Speaking hypothetically, Giacoppo said it wasn’t out of the question for a suspect with mental illness to be treated less harshly than with a prison term.

“There are times when we ask the courts rather than to hand down jail sentences or fines, or we would ask the court to issue stay-away orders,” he said. “It all depends on what the U.S. Attorney’s office decides.”
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