Puppy death recorded in video in Iraq-Truth!

Video of U.S. Marine Apparently Throwing a Puppy to Its Death-Truth!

 
Summary of eRumor:
The eRumor includes links to a video of a U.S. Marine holding a small puppy then apparently throwing it into a ravine to its death.  The email includes a sample letter of complaint and addresses of Marine officials to whom it can be sent.
The Truth:
The disturbing video was among the most viewed on YouTube in March, 2008 until it was taken down.
It showed what was said to be a U.S. Marine in Iraq holding a puppy by the neck and talking with another Marine. The puppy was motionless as it was held up, which has led to speculation that it may have already been dead or may have even been a toy.  As it was thrown, there was an audible yelping sound.  Some observers said, however, that the yelping was not consistent with what would be heard as the puppy got farther from the camera so it is not clear whether the video was a joke or really documented the death of the puppy.
The Marines later identified the man in the video as Lance Cpl. David Motari, based in Hawaii with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.  On June 12, 2008, the Marines announced that Motari was “being processed for separation” from the corps and had received non-judicial punishment, but did not say what the punishment was.
A second Marine, San Diego-based Sgt. Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion, received non-judicial punishment as well.  He was the one who actually shot the video.

The video prompted an outcry of protest and this particular version of the email was distributed by the an animal advocacy group called Kinship Circle.

Updated 6/12/08