Reward Offered In LaPorte County, Ind. Horse Shooting

November 25, 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 people responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­shooting Ben, a beloved Belgian draft horse.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: Ben was a beloved member of a team of draft horses who pulled a hayride wagon every fall at Garwood Orchards in LaPorte County. On Nov. 16, Ben's owners found him dead from a gunshot wound between the eyes.

Owner Sue Satoski recalled Ben as being a gentle horse who did exceptionally well with children and said, "They didn't just kill a horse. They killed a part of our family."

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 Anne Sterling, The HSUS's Indiana state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:

The LaPorte County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Cicero at 219-326-7700, extension 2404.

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.