Reward Offered in Pioneertown, Calif., Animal Cruelty Case

March 7, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the shooting death of a popular dog in the high desert community of Pioneertown, Calif. 

The Case: 

News reports give the following account: Brody, a 4-year-old black Labrador retriever, was shot once in the head the morning of Feb. 25 and was left to die. Brody was the greeter/mascot at the Pioneertown Motel and a beloved member of the community.

"He was probably wagging his tail at whoever shot him," Sara Horowitz, Brody's owner, told The HSUS. "He was just a sweet soul who never harmed anyone."

"This incident is particularly disturbing," said Paul Bruce, of The HSUS' West Coast regional office. "The fact that someone has walked around armed and willing to take the life of an innocent animal in broad daylight makes this person a potential danger to the entire community."

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. 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.

The Investigators:  

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call them at 760-366-4175. The reward in this case now stands at $3,000.

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.

-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 West Coast Regional Office (WCRO) of The Humane Society of the United States, located in Sacramento, Calif., is on the front lines of animal protection issues throughout five states: California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.