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New Jersey Cops Pull Out All The Stops to Catch Animal Abuser

April 15, 2008

©The Herald News

N.J. state police have released this sketch of an alleged animal abuser on posters all over the state.

Although sketches of suspected rapists, murderers and thieves are commonplace on nightly newscasts and in newspaper police logs across the country, they largely haven't been used to hunt down animal abusers.

Cops Pull Out The Stops

New Jersey State Police Detective Sgt. Kenny Collazo made state police history recently when he created the department's first sketch of a suspected animal abuser.

Collazo—who is one of two New Jersey State Police sketch artists—drew a picture of a man troopers believe chained a malnourished and pregnant dog to a fence near the Paterson Animal Shelter on Feb. 23, leaving the animal to give birth exposed to frigid temperatures. The sketch has since been distributed to area media outlets in hopes someone in the community recognizes the dog's perpetrator.

Upping the Ante in Animal Abuse Cases

Coupled with a $7,500 reward ($2,500 of which is being offered by The HSUS), the sketch considerably increases the chances police will find the man who abandoned the dog. It also demonstrates a new level of commitment from the department to catching and prosecuting animal abusers.

"People who abuse animals are more likely to be spousal abusers, child abusers and sexual offenders, and are more likely to be involved in illegal gangs, drugs and gun crimes," said Dale Bartlett, The HSUS' deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. "This is a terrific example of innovative police work designed to catch animal abusers and protect the community."

Seeking Happy Endings

The pregnant dog who was abandoned has since been adopted into a loving home. Although eight of her 10 puppies died before or during birth that freezing night, the surviving pups have recovered and have also been adopted. Their happy ending will be made even better once the man responsible for abandoning them is brought to justice.

HSUS Rewards

What to Do About a Dog Who's Left Outside