On March 17, 2019 at approximately 6:00 pm, Grant County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Gila Regional Medical Center in regards to a reported domestic violence incident. It was determined that an adult female victim had been severely beaten with resultant significant bodily injury. Deputies also determined that the suspect, Jessie Westmoreland of Tucson Arizona had also beaten the victim’s dog, a brown-and-white female Pitbull Terrier. The dog had run-away and her (then) whereabouts were unknown.

A short time later, a witness contacted dispatch and reported seeing the suspect abusing the dog, that the dog was safe at her residence. Deputy Mark Torrez responded and interviewed the witness then checked the dog, no visible injuries were evident. Deputy Torrez then contacted the Silver City Police Department, an officer met him at the High Desert Humane Society where the dog was safely placed in the shelter.

This violent incident allegedly began when the victim confronted Westmoreland about abusing the dog. Victims are not just people. We value our pets highly in our private lives.

Law enforcement officers value these things, too. There are clearly two victims in this incident of domestic violence – BOTH were considered and treated with the care and respect due.

Suspect Westmoreland, in addition to being charged with the appropriate domestic violence offenses (some felony level) and associated property crimes (some felony-level also) – was charged with Cruelty to Animals.

The dog, if unclaimed by her owner will be available for adoption in approximately one week. Please contact the High Desert Humane Society at 575-538-9261 for more information.