The HSUS Offers Reward In Clearwater, Fla. Animal Cruelty Case

July 3, 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 killing a puppy and leaving his body in a Clearwater parking lot.

The Case:

SPCA Tampa Bay gives the following account: About 12:15 p.m. on June 29, children found two collie mixed-breed puppies, one of whom was dead, abandoned in the parking lot of a small medical facility at 1384 Pierce Street. A box of food was left nearby. A necropsy revealed that the deceased puppy died of blunt force trauma to the head. He suffered multiple skull fractures, a broken jaw and lung contusions. There was no evidence that the puppy was hit by a car. Authorities believe the puppies could have been abandoned as early as 10:30 a.m. the day they were found. 

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 Jennifer Hobgood, The HSUS’s Florida state director. “Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.” 

The Investigators:

SPCA Tampa Bay is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Jill Purl at 727-586-3591, extension 135. 

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.