$5,000 Reward Offered in Meridian, Idaho Animal Cruelty Case

June 16, 2006

BOISE, Idaho—The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Idaho Humane Society are each offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for intentionally burning and abandoning a lab mix puppy found in the Overland and Meridian Road area of Meridian on June 11.  

The Case:
According to Dr. Dave Schulz of Vista Animal Hospital in Boise, a 14 week old Lab mix was brought to his clinic with severe burns and abrasions covering 80 percent of his body. "I have seen a lot of cases over the years, however, these injuries are consistent with intentional cruelty. The dog was likely doused with a flammable liquid and then possibly dragged behind a vehicle."  The dog is slowly recovering at Vista Animal Hospital but his prognosis is not yet certain.

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:
Anyone with information is asked to contact Susan Clark, director of Community Relations, Idaho Humane Society at (208) 342-3508 ext. 2273, or animal control at (208)343-3166.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. 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 and offices across the country. On the web at hsus.org.