Allegations of Animal Cruelty in West Palm Beach, Fla. Draw National Scrutiny

March 21, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, wrote to Palm Beach County State's Attorney Barry Krischer today, calling for aggressive investigation and prosecution, if warranted, of a case involving charges of animal cruelty in West Palm Beach, Fla., and offering the prosecutor's office its support and resources. The HSUS monitors incidents of cruelty across the U.S. and provides input to prosecutors in more than 200 cases annually.

The Case

News reports give the following account: Anthony Karney, 18, of Boynton Beach; Christopher Mullan, 19, of Lake Worth; and a 17-year-old Boynton Beach boy have each been charged with felony cruelty to animals. The 17 year old has been charged as an adult. Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department investigators said the teens beat and kicked to death a family’s pet goose, whose name was Lily. At about 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2007, the teens allegedly took turns swinging an aluminum baseball bat at Lily’s head until they were interrupted by a neighbor. They then allegedly drove away, with one of the teens holding the bloody goose out of the window by her neck. At a nearby subdivision, Lily was thrown into the road where deputies allege Karney beat the goose to death with the bat.

Animal Cruelty

Getting the serious attention of prosecutors in cases involving allegations of animal cruelty is an essential step in protecting community safety. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. Strong, carefully considered sentencing that includes incarceration, psychological treatment and a ban on pet ownership is the most effective available tool for reducing recidivism and interrupting the cycle of criminal behavior.

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Dale Bartlett, The HSUS' deputy manager for cruelty issues. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

Resources

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit humanesociety.org/cruelty.

The HSUS employs experts on the legal, psychological, political and social aspects of animal cruelty. Information is also available at humanesociety.org/cruelty. To speak with an animal cruelty expert, contact HSUS Public Relations Specialist Pepper Ballard at 301-258-1417 or pballard@humanesociety.org. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.