Couple accused of instructing dogs to attack wild animals in Golden Gate Park

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - A San Francisco couple is accused of siccing their dogs on wild animals at Golden Gate Park then posting pictures on social media depicting the attacks.

San Francisco Police Spokeswoman Giselle Talkoff said officers initiated the animal cruelty investigation in October. She said there were multiple attacks on animals including raccoons, squirrels, birds, and rats.

“I would classify it as highly disturbing,” Talkoff said.

Police arrested Jasmine Marshall and Kelvin Johnson of San Francisco on Nov. 23. The couple is facing six felony counts of animal cruelty. Animal control confiscated two of their dogs, a Pit Bull mix and a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix. Authorities are searching for a third dog.

“To turn your dog to viciously attack other animals for fun or for sport is a horrible thing to do,” Talkoff said.

Police said during the investigation, officers discovered that the couple would post pictures on social media depicting their dogs killing the animals. Investigators also found a video of the couple commanding the dogs to attack.

The felony complaint for the case shows the attacks date back to June 20, 2016.

Johnson appeared in court on Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty. Marshall is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

A spokeswoman for San Francisco Animal Care and Control confirmed the dogs remained in their custody, but could not provide details about their wellbeing, saying the case is still under investigation.