Justice for Gigi -Pittsburg, CA
Let Gigi speak for others.
This viral video out of Pittsburg, California is a hard watch for us animal lovers. This is not an isolated case, as most times there is no video to prove it, so allow Miss Gigi to speak for all the animals being mistreated in this manner.
The incident occurred on February 19 involving Graciela Amar (daughter), Lagashia Williams (mother), Susie Ashley (grandmother), and the dog owner, Albert Lopes.
This is what really happened
A day before the recorded interaction, Ashley backed into Lopes’ plants in his front yard and he claims that she was told to “please back up.” The following day, Williams and Amar came over to his home, somewhat aggressively, asking if he was yelling at the elderly woman. Lopes was washing his truck at the time and appeared to be completely caught off guard by this angry episode. He attempted to defend himself but eventually firmly told them to leave his property.
While they were in each other’s faces, Williams claimed she had a gun in her pocket, so Lopes decided he would just go inside and call 911. Following this, you can hear in the video that Williams said to Amar “kick that little f*cker” which she then did. This sent three-pound, 11-year-old Gigi flying about four to five feet into the planter at the front porch where she hit hard. Amar then mocked the poor girl’s squealing while Williams laughed at them.
Ashley says the video didn’t show where Lopes had disrespected her and cursed her out.
In my opinion, if she had damaged his plants, he had a right to be upset. Being cursed at doesn’t justify damaging property, kids, or animals. If that was the case, most of us would have a right to destroy other people’s belongings every day -and that’s just not how it works. Also, if Lopes is the type of person to curse someone out over some plants, don’t you think he would’ve been more aggressive in the video? But he attempted to match the women’s energy and still wasn’t as aggressive with them as they were with him and they were the ones coming onto his driveway to start the confrontation.
He didn’t even retaliate after his furbaby was launched into the air. He retreated to his home to call the police -exactly what you’re supposed to do in this situation.
Ashley has attempted to defend her granddaughter by saying she was just upset with how Lopes spoke to her mom but she is the one who brought this energy with her to his house. He was defending his home. She says the dog was coming at Amar, but if you’ve watched the video, this obviously didn’t happen. Gigi was following her owner into the house and when Amar ran up to her, she actually cowered down in fear away from the woman.
No need to lie when there is a video.
Attempting to move forward...
Lagashia Williams and Graciela Amar became wanted in the area and were eventually found and arrested on February 27. They each earned two felony charges: brandishing a fake firearm and filing a false police report after claiming Lopes had a firearm at the scene. Police determined that neither party had a firearm during the confrontation.
Both women were released from jail in early March after posting bail and pleaded not guilty on April 9. So, Lopes will have to wait out the court system in hopes that justice will prevail. They can face up to three years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
If we want harsher punishments for animal abusers and assailants, then we as a community have to fight for harsher laws. The judge can only dish out what the law allows.
How is Gigi doing today?
Gigi left this malicious encounter with leg and liver damage -that’s how hard she was kicked. She has seen her vet numerous times but is still having issues with her front leg as of one week ago. You can see the true love that Albert has for his baby girl Gigi when you see them together. She is family in his household getting birthday cupcakes with hugs and kisses.
Gigi’s community wants justice.
We want the world to know that violence against animals will not be tolerated -especially a tiny, harmless old lady. Causing lifelong health complications to an animal because you are upset over a man matching the energy you brought to his home is inexcusable. The whole incident could’ve been avoided if the elderly woman apologized for backing into his plants and potentially destroying them. When you’re in the wrong, you apologize and move on -even if someone is upset with you.
Lopes has a right to be upset about his belongings being damaged but they do not have the right to kick a dog who poses no threat. Gigi was walking away from the situation and cowered down to a foot swinging towards her frail body. That’s very clearly shown in the video evidence.
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