Search for killer of Chesco dogs getting national boost

Emma and Luna, the pet dogs found slain in Chester County in October, have not been forgotten.

Next Friday, the search for their killer will get a boost from Rescue Ink, a group of formidable, tattooed motorcyclists who appear on National Geographic's TV show Rescue Ink Unleashed, the Chester County SPCA announced today.

Rescue Ink, which targets animals in danger, will lend its clout to finding whoever executed the pets, who lived on a 100-acre farm in Pocopson Township. A $30,000 reward is posted.

The dogs were found by a neighbor walking in the woods on Oct. 25 near railroad tracks along the Brandywine Creek in Pennsbury Township, said Rich Britton, spokesman for the Chester County SPCA. They had been shot between the eyes at close range, Britton said.

Emma, a 11/2-year-old German shorthaired pointer, and Luna, a 2-year-old mix of the same breed, were placed tail to tail, with their backs to the tracks. They had been reported missing earlier that day by their owners: James Milliner; his girlfriend, Laura Peperato; and his cousin, Paul Bartholomew.

After a news conference, Rescue Ink plans to be available from 3 to 4:30 p.m. next Friday to meet the public at the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester.

A town hall meeting will be at 7 p.m. next Friday at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford. The topics will include the group's fight against animal abuse, and ways to publicize the search for the killer of Emma and Luna.