Reward Offered In Huntsville, Arkansas Dog Skinning Case

December 4, 2007

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 and skinning a large dog in Huntsville, Ark. and draping the animal’s skin over a teacher’s home gate.

The Case:
News reports give the following account: The dog’s skin was super-glued to the gate of a Huntsville High School teacher’s home either Thanksgiving afternoon or the next morning. Police said they are investigating the case as possible harassment, as the incident occurred less than a month after another teacher reportedly killed a raccoon with a nail gun on school property and subsequently used the dead animal for a classroom skinning demonstration. No charges have been filed against the teacher who killed the raccoon and performed the skinning demonstration.

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 society,” said Dale Bartlett, The HSUS’s deputy manager for animal cruelty issues.  “Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.”

The Investigators:
The Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 479-565-1522.

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 .