Reward Offered in La Plata County, Colorado Animal Cruelty Case for Illegally Shooting a Bull Elk

August 15, 2007

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 illegally shooting a bull elk in La Plata County, Colo., and leaving the animal to die. The HSUS reward is in addition to the $1,000 offered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, making the total reward $3,500.

The Case:
On Sunday, July 29, a gas well worker in Bondad discovered a live bull elk with a gunshot wound. The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) responded and determined the elk was paralyzed from a single bullet wound to the upper shoulder. Officials from the agency believe he was shot a day or two earlier as there were indications a bear tried to scavenge the elk. The DOW officers euthanized the animal.

The bull is classified as a trophy animal. The person or persons who shot this animal faces charges under the Samson Law, which imposes an automatic $10,000 fine for the illegal killing of such an animal. The Samson Law fine is in addition to the regular $1,000 fine for the illegal killing of a big-game animal.

“Many poaching cases are solved because we receive tips from concerned citizens,” said Bob Thompson, assistant chief of law enforcement for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. “This additional reward might convince someone to provide some information about the elk shot in La Plata County. The DOW appreciates The Humane Society of the United States’ help with this case.”

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:
Operation Game Thief is investigating this case. To report a tip, call the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (970) 247-0855 or Operation Game Thief at (877) 265-6648.

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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.

The Northern Rockies Regional Office of The HSUS located in Billings, Montana, provides services to eight states: Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.