Reward Offered in Huntington Beach, California Cruelty Case

April 22, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the mutilation of four California Brown pelicans in Huntington Beach, Calif. in recent weeks. 

According to news reports, the pelicans were all found in the Huntington Beach area and had similar throat pouch injuries, though it is unclear whether the cases are related. One bird has since died of injuries and the others are receiving care at nearby veterinary centers. California Brown pelicans are listed as endangered by the state of California. Other groups are also offering rewards in this case, bringing the total to a possible $9,000.

"The Humane Society of the United States is shocked and saddened by this case," said Eric Sakach, regional director at the HSUS West Coast Regional Office in Sacramento "To injure these birds in this way, and then leave them to starve to death is unconscionable."

Animal Cruelty: 

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection 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 www.hsus.org/firststrike.

The Investigators:

The United States Fish & Wildlife Service is investigating this case.  Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Ho Troung at 310-328-1516 or 1-888-DFG-CALTIP, or Sharon Weeks at the Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center at 714-321-7516.

The HSUS:

For more information contact Eric Sakach at 916-344-1710, esakach@hsus.org or Belinda Mager at 301-258-3071, bmager@hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly nine million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.

The HSUS West Coast Regional Office serves California, Nevada and Hawaii.