Reward Offered In Chickasha, Okla. Pit Bull Slaying

December 17, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for slashing the throat of a pit bull terrier and dumping the dog's body on the side of a man's rural property in west Chickasha. The HSUS also offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a dogfighter. If a tip on this case results in an arrest and conviction on dogfighting charges instead of or in addition to animal cruelty charges, the tipster will be eligible for an upgraded reward of up to $5,000. 

The Case:

News reports give the following account: The body of a white adult pit bull terrier was discovered in a collapsible zippered blue pet carrier alongside Mockingbird Road in west Chickasha. The police report states the dog's throat had been cut and he was possibly beaten in the head with a blunt object.

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.

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Cynthia Armstrong, The HSUS' Oklahoma state director. "Oklahomans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world." 

The Investigators:

Chickasha Police are investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Chickasha Crimestoppers at (405) 224-TIPS (8477).

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. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.

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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.