By Amity Address, for Eyewitness News
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A 6-pound mix-terrier dog named Lacey is still struggling to recover after allegedly being struck in the mouth with a golf club, having her eyes sprayed with bleach and being left untreated for days.
Lacey’s plight has outraged not only people in Kern County, but people around the world.
Donations are pouring in from as far away as Australia and England.
But what people still want to know is why someone would do this to a seemly innocent, defenseless little dog?
Bakersfield police believe Lacey was abused by her owner, Robert Gonzales.
Sophia Slider, Gonzales’ next-door neighbor and ex-mother-in-law, said Lacey was very loyal to Gonzales.
Slider said she is surprised Lacey is still alive after seeing pictures of Lacey’s injuries.
Lacey is described by Slider as a “sweet animal” and a mild-mannered dog.
On Monday, Eyewitness News talked with Gonzales over the phone.
He said he’s being falsely accused and claimed Lacey got the chemical burns from turning over a bucket filled with cleaning supplies.
But the Department of Public Health doesn’t think Gonzales’ story holds up. Director Matt Constantine said, “You can’t do this to an animal. This is a 6-pound terrier who didn’t have a voice. We need to give a voice to that animal.”
Because a public agency can’t accept donations, Public Health has partnered with Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation to raise money for Lacey.
“Based on the overwhelming response, there is enough money to cover Lacey’s costs, but (also) money that can be used in the future to help other animals,” Constantine said.
Donations can be made on the Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation’s website or by sending a check to the foundation at P.O. Box 11494, Bakersfield, CA, 93389.
The foundation requests donors make note if the money is intended to help Lacey.
The animal hospital that is treating Lacey said she’s slowly recovering and has more surgeries ahead.
Once police are finished with their investigation, the case will be sent to the district attorney’s office for review and consideration of charges.
‘Consideration’ of charges?? I hope they lock him away for LIFE!!!
fuckin asshole i hope they cut his balls off
I see too much animal abuse and torture, but Lacey’s case hurts my soul. Article says his neighbor and ex-MIL said Lacey was very loyal to him meaning she loved this monster. She wasn’t taken to the vet immediately. Can you imagine the horror, confusion and pain this little Angel went through while being blinded w/ chemicals and beaten almost to death by someone she loved? Robert Gonzales is just as evil as Vick if not worse.Hell is too good for Robert Gonzales.
You know…sadly, people like this MONSTER generally get a slap on the hands for all the pain and agony he has put this little animal through!! We have to change the laws to protect dogs and cats and we have to make these crimes felonies so these MONSTERS serve plenty of time behind bars!! May God protect all of the children and animals of the world.
So Gonzales says Lacey turned over a bucket with cleaning supplies…how about the golf club in the face? How did she do that to herself??????????? This guy needs to be dealt with or there will certainly be more of the same…
Ok, he is a moron, but he needs no jail, he needs psychiatrist help.
if he regrets and admits then he does need psychiatrist help. but this is monster we’re talking about. the pour dog need justice
People that do this to a helpless pet, deserves the Same treatment to them!