Arrest follows disturbing discovery of journal detailing abuse
An Arizona woman has been accused of torturing at least three dogs to death, documenting the horrific acts in a personal journal, according to local authorities. Brook Scalero, 42, was arrested earlier this month after investigators found disturbing details in a journal allegedly belonging to her.
Police uncover journal detailing abuse of dogs
The Mesa Police Department (MPD) reported that on November 4, a journal was submitted to authorities, describing in “torturous detail” the abuse and eventual deaths of multiple dogs under Scalero’s care. Among the animals mentioned were Pepe, a three-year-old Maltese mix, Griffin, and Gus, all of whom were allegedly subjected to prolonged abuse.
Scalero, who was arrested on November 14, later admitted to her involvement in the deaths of the three animals. She also acknowledged that she had taken Pepe from a local animal rescue, Paws Fur The Cause, in May 2024, under the pretense of paying a $500 adoption fee, but never followed through on the payment.
The death of Griffin and the discovery of journal entries
The first clue that led to the investigation came on October 5, when a report was made to VCA Animal Hospital about a deceased dog matching Pepe’s description. However, a microchip revealed the dog was not Pepe, but Griffin, another dog registered to Scalero. Griffin’s injuries were described as “consistent with animal abuse” by the MPD.
Between November 2023 and October 2024, Scalero had also been living with a roommate who owned a dog named Gus. The dog died during this time, and when Scalero moved out, her roommate discovered a journal among her personal items, which included entries documenting Gus’s death.
Scalero’s admission and the chilling contents of her journal
After her arrest for unrelated charges, Scalero was interviewed on November 14. During the interview, she admitted to owning the journal but claimed the graphic descriptions were mere “creative writings.” She also confessed to taking Pepe without paying the adoption fee. However, her story began to unravel when a microchip confirmed the identity of a dead dog found behind a bush in the 700 block of West 8th Avenue. The dog was later identified as Pepe.
One particularly chilling entry in the journal reportedly read: “He was a three-year-old Maltese. I kept him one night and killed him the next day. He tries to pull away, but I don’t let him. Instead, I choke him out by strangling him over and over again.” Scalero also allegedly described leaving Pepe in her hot car for several hours before disposing of his body behind a bush near her home.
Public outrage over abuse and animal cruelty
The case has sparked outrage, particularly among animal rescue groups. Adopt A Dog Rescue, the organization from which Scalero allegedly took Pepe, shared the dog’s story on Instagram, alongside photos of Scalero’s journal entries. “I’m terrified that people like this walk the earth. This is horrific,” one user commented in response to the post.
Charges and legal consequences
On November 18, Scalero was interviewed again, during which she admitted to the torture and deaths of Pepe, Griffin, and Gus. She was subsequently booked into jail on three counts of animal cruelty and one count of theft.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to build a case against Scalero, whose actions have horrified both animal rights groups and the wider public.