The HSUS Offers Reward In Puppy Shootings, Deaths Near Arizona's Nelson Reservoir

May 14, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for shooting six dogs near Nelson Reservoir in Apache County in Eastern Arizona.

The Case:

The Silver Creek Regional Humane Society gives the following account: On April 27, six puppies were found shot near the Nelson Reservoir. Five of the puppies were already dead. A couple hiking near Nelson Reservoir found the dogs tied together after they heard a dog whining. Four of the puppies were white and two were black. The surviving puppy had been shot twice — once in the head and once in the leg, where the bullet broke both bones. The surviving puppy, who has been named Hope, is about 14 weeks old and appears to be a Labrador retriever, heeler or Australian shepherd-mix. 

Animal Cruelty:

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. "It is not only heartlessly cruel to shoot helpless puppies and leave them to die in the woods, it is illegal, too," said Kari Nienstedt, The HSUS's Arizona state director. "Arizona residents should have no tolerance for cruelty to animals."

The Investigators: 

The Apache County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Commander Steve Brown at 928-337-4321. The incident No. is 080427018. Anyone with information may also call the Silver Creek Regional Humane Society at 928-337-4037.

Resources:

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence 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/cruelty.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 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.