Reward Offered in Jackson, New Jersey, Animal Cruelty Case

June 13, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a reward of  up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning an apparently abused small dog in Jackson, N.J.

The Case:
Animal control officer and cruelty investigator Joseph Sbano found a white male Maltese in a dog carrier left on a sidewalk on Winterberry Boulevard in Jackson, N.J., on Saturday, June 2. Concerned citizens contacted police. Officer Sbano responded and reported that the small dog showed signs of neglect and had possibly been subjected to other forms of abuse, as indicated by a gash on his neck.

The township of Jackson recently enacted an ordinance increasing the penalty for animal cruelty. If the person responsible for abandoning the dog is arrested he or she may be the first person charged under the new ordinance.

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 humanesociety.org/firststrike.

The Investigators:
Anyone who may have information about this case is asked to contact Jackson Township Animal Control at 732-928-5780 or 732-928-1200, ext. 340.  Callers may remain anonymous.

-30-

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.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of The HSUS, located in Flanders, New Jersey, serves the animals and people of five states: Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—a culturally diverse area of the nation that's home to nearly 17 percent of HSUS members and constituents.