Reward Offered in Idaho Missing Pit Bulls Case

August 31, 2007

Malad City, Idaho -- The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for removing dogs from an alleged dogfighting kennel in Malad City, Idaho overnight Tuesday. 

The Case:

About 30 pit bull terriers seized as part of an investigation into an alleged dogfighting kennel in Malad City were found missing from the guarded property early Wednesday, August 29. Using a search warrant Tuesday night, The Oneida County Sheriff's Office found 30 pit bull terriers, four of which were puppies, and marijuana at the property and subsequently charged Andrew and Tiffany Willard with dogfighting and felony drug offenses.

Police had asked the Pocatello Animal Shelter and Idaho Humane Society to help impound and care for the pit bulls, but needed to keep the dogs at the property overnight.

A deputy ordered to guard the dogs was called from the scene to respond to another call, and when another deputy arrived at the property to take over guard, all 30 dogs were gone. 

"These dogs were almost rescued and placed into safe harbor by the actions of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office" said Dave Pauli, The Humane Society of the United States' Northern Rockies director. "These dogs were probably not moved quietly or easily and should be noticed when they move to a new location or are hauled on public highways. We now need the public's help to prevent them from going back into the underground network of cruelty, gambling and violence that is the ugly world of dogfighting!"  

The Investigators:

Anyone with any information on the dogs' whereabouts is urged to call The Oneida County Sheriff's Office at 208-766-2251. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.