Joseph Losinski, Animal Cruelty, Colorado 2012

Denver, CO – Joseph Losinski is behind bars after being sentenced to nearly a decade in prison for deliberately poisoning his neighbors’ dogs and subsequently attempting to intimidate a key witness. The case, initially investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division due to the use of a restricted substance, revealed a disturbing pattern of malice and a clear danger to the community.

According to court and police records, Losinski laced meat with strychnine – a highly toxic and controlled poison – and fed it to two dogs belonging to a neighboring household. The victims, a German Shepherd and a Labrador Retriever, both succumbed to the effects of the poison. The EPA became involved due to the stringent regulations surrounding strychnine possession and use, requiring special permits for legitimate purposes. Losinski’s actions clearly violated these regulations and demonstrated a deliberate intent to cause harm.

The cruelty didn’t end with the animals’ deaths. Following the incident, Losinski sent an intimidating letter to a neighbor who had witnessed events related to the case, attempting to silence their potential testimony. This act of intimidation led to additional charges and ultimately contributed to the severity of his sentencing. Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Hill skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting overwhelming evidence of Losinski’s guilt.

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Legal Ramifications

Losinski was initially charged on January 3, 2012, with violating C.R.S. 18-9-202(1.5)(b), Colorado’s statute covering cruelty to animals – a Class 6 felony. As the investigation progressed, two additional charges were added on August 2, 2012: C.R.S. 18-8-704 for witness/victim intimidation (a Class 4 felony) and C.R.S. 18-8-707 for witness/victim tampering. He ultimately pleaded guilty on October 11, 2012, to all charges.

On December 12, 2012, the judge handed down a harsh sentence, reflecting the gravity of the crimes. Losinski received 18 months in prison for the aggravated cruelty to animals, the maximum sentence permitted under the statute. A significantly longer sentence of 96 months was imposed for the intimidation charge. These sentences are to be served consecutively, totaling 114 months – or 9.5 years – of incarceration. In addition to imprisonment, Losinski was ordered to pay $652 in restitution to the victims.

Key Facts

Defendant: Joseph Losinski
Crime: Animal Cruelty & Witness Intimidation
State: Colorado
Year: 2013
Poison Used: Strychnine, a controlled substance
Victims: Two dogs (German Shepherd & Labrador Retriever)
Statutes Violated: C.R.S. 18-9-202(1.5)(b), C.R.S. 18-8-704, C.R.S. 18-8-707
Sentence: 114 months (9.5 years) incarceration + $652 restitution

The judge explicitly cited the overwhelming evidence presented and Losinski’s demonstrated danger to the community as key factors in the sentencing decision. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences for acts of animal cruelty and attempts to obstruct justice.

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

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