Woman allegedly tortured and killed dogs

PHOENIX – A woman was arrested Monday after police found evidence that she tortured and killed multiple dogs in a disturbing animal cruelty case in Mesa, authorities said.

Brook Scalero, 42, was arrested two weeks after a diary allegedly belonging to her was turned over to Mesa police on Nov. 4. The diary contained detailed descriptions of the torture and death of animals in her care, police said.

Researchers said it is possible that more than ten 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 have police learned about the Mesa animal cruelty case?

Scalero allegedly stole Pepe, a 3-year-old Maltese mix, from a Mesa shelter. LEGS Fur The cause reported on June 7 that Scalero took Pepe home on May 19 promising to pay $500 that evening, but she never came up with the money.

On October 5, an animal hospital reported a dead dog to the police with injuries consistent with abuse and matching Pepe’s description. However, the animal’s microchip confirmed that it was Griffin, a dog registered with Scalero.

Meanwhile, Gus was owned by a roommate of Scalero’s, who died under the suspect’s watch. According to police, the roommate found the diary, which documented Gus’ death, among Scalero’s personal contents.

How did Mesa animal cruelty suspect react to the allegations?

After he was arrested Friday for unrelated crimes, Scalero acknowledged the diary was hers but said the stories were creative writings, police said. She also admitted to taking Pepe from the shelter without payment.

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 her involvement in the torture and deaths of Pepe, Griffin and Gus, police said.

According to police, she was jailed on the following counts:

• Cruelty to animals, a class 5 misdemeanor.
• Cruelty to Animals-DV, a class 6 felony.
• Theft, a class 1 misdemeanor.

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