Man Who Killed Hero Dogs Gets More Than 10-Year Jail Term For Poisoning Canines

A man who despicably killed two dogs best known as hero rescue dogs has been meted more than 10 years behind bars for poisoning the two canines.

He was identified as Benjamin ‘N’ who also becomes the first person in Mexico to be sent to jail on animal abuse charges. This was after he was found guilty of killing the dogs, named Athos and Tango.

The two dogs were part of the Queretaro Red Cross workers and died of toxic substances on June 13, 2021. This was after Benjamin allegedly threw poisoned sausages into their handler’s garden.

The male suspect initially served 20 days in custody. However, a renewed campaign for justice against him ended up resulting in Benjamin ‘N’ being locked up for 10-and-a-half years over 12 months later.

Athos was a highly experienced four-year-old collie breed who was critical in search and rescue missions. He was internationally certified by the International Organization of Search and Rescue Dogs.

One of the highlights of Athos was when he helped in the search for survivors during the earthquake that hit Mexico City on Sept. 19, 2017. Athos was just a puppy at the time.

Tango, on the other hand, is a little Yorkshire terrier who provided emotional assistance to those who suffered from shock, trauma and anxiety after the quake.

The State Attorney General’s Office launched a probe into Benjamin after the initial 20-day jail sentence resulted in threats and backlash online.

The Cariño Animal association and other organizations together with lawyer Mónica Huerta Muñoz handled the case of the two canines, something meant to make sure that future and similar wicked acts would not be repeated.

Also, it was learned through Judge Alicia Basurto García that the plot to poison the two dogs was revealed to a neighbor of Benjamin. In all, the man committed three crimes of aggravated mistreatment of animals.

A formal reading of the sentence of Benjamin ‘N’ is expected to be done on Tuesday, Aug. 30.