Reward Offered In Lawrence, Kan. Cat's Mutilating Death

October 13, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and the Lawrence Humane Society are offering a joint reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­stabbing and gutting a 13-year-old cat to death or about related-area cat killings. Crimestoppers offers a separate reward of up to $1,000 for tips leading to felony arrests. Crimestoppers pays rewards on arrest. The HSUS pays rewards upon conviction.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: On Sept. 29, Mark McCanon found the mutilated remains of his 13-year-old white manx cat, Sugar, in his Lawrence backyard. McCanon said he knew of three neighbors who found their cats mutilated similarly, and Lawrence Police Department detectives confirmed they are investigating several reports of possible animal cruelty in the 3200 block of West Ninth Street. Midge Grinstead, Lawrence Humane Society executive director, said a cat's severed head was found in nearby Centennial Park.

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

"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Mary Prewitt, The HSUS's Kansas state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:

The Lawrence Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 785-832-7509. 

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/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.