$2,500 Reward Offered for Information about a Dog Found Skinned and Left Dead on a Street in Marion, Ill.

December 22, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­the actions that led to the death of a dog found in Marion, Ill.

The Case:
News reports give the following account: Police discovered the mutilated remains of a young dog on West Prairie Street early Friday morning. The dog's skin and some body parts were removed.

Animal Cruelty:
Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. 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.

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Jordan Matyas, The HSUS's Illinois state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:
The Marion Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 618-993-2124.

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. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.

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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.