Guard Dogs Stabbed During Attempted Theft at Compton Cemetery

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The owner of Woodlawn Celestial Gardens cemetery in Compton, California, Celestina Bishop, said her three guard dogs were recently stabbed during an attempted theft at the cemetery. One of the dogs died, while the other two survived emergency surgeries. Bishop said the attack on her dogs was the final straw after years of dealing with vandalism, break-ins, and frustrations while trying to run the cemetery, which is the resting place for over 26,000 people, including nearly 1,000 U.S. military veterans.

Why it matters

The deadly attack on the guard dogs at Woodlawn Celestial Gardens highlights the ongoing challenges cemetery owners face in protecting historic sites from repeated crime and vandalism. The cemetery, which is an important community asset and final resting place for many veterans, has struggled with lack of funding and resources to properly secure the grounds, leading the owner to now consider selling the property.

The details

During the attempted theft this past weekend, Bishop said her three dogs were stabbed, and one of them died. Her two other dogs survived following emergency surgeries. Bishop told NBC Los Angeles that the violence against her dogs was the final straw after years of dealing with vandalism, break-ins, and frustrations while trying to run the cemetery. Dozens of graves have been destroyed and plaques stolen from the historical Woodlawn Celestial Gardens in the past.

• The attack on the guard dogs occurred this past weekend.
• The dogs were recovering at home on Monday after emergency surgeries.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Bishop said she will continue caring for the property until it's sold, and she's hoping whoever takes over can protect the historic site in a way she said she hasn't been able to do alone.