The HSUS and IFHS Offer Reward In Iowa Children’s Zoo Cruelty Case

June 27, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies are jointly offering a reward up to $3,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for brutally killing about 50 ducks at Bever Park Children's Zoo in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The Case:

Media reports give the following account: A Bever Park Children's Zoo employee found the bloody corpses of about 50 ducks and one snow goose when he arrived at work Wednesday. The birds had been stoned and beaten to death. The lock on a door to the pen that housed the birds overnight was broken. 

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. 

“Anyone capable of so viciously attacking defenseless animals poses a potential danger to other animals and people in the community,” said Tom Colvin, president of the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies. “The connection between animal abuse and violence against humans is well documented.” 

“We hope this reward will help bring those responsible for this crime to justice,” said Howard Goldman, director of The Humane Society of the United States’ Central States Regional Office. 

The Investigators:

The Cedar Rapids Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call 319-286-5440 during the week, from  8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 319-286-5348 after business hours and on weekends.

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.

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The Iowa Federation of Humane Societies is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for over twenty years. IFHS is a statewide coalition of humane societies and other animal protection groups that focuses on animal protection, education and legislation — On the web at iowafedhumane.org.