The HSUS Offers Reward In Lulu's Shooting Death

June 11, 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 the shooting death of Lulu, an Emmitsburg, Md. dog who was rescued from Hurricane Katrina. At the time of this release, the reward stands at $3,100, including $500 offered by the Frederick County Humane Society and $100 offered by an anonymous citizen.    

The Case:

News reports give the following account:  On May 31, Lulu's owners found her dead from gunshot wounds, lying in a field on their 110-acre Emmitsburg farm. Lulu had been shot twice—once in the head and once in the leg. The Labrador retriever-Great Dane mix was rescued from Louisianna after Hurricane Katrina left her homeless. 

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 Dale Bartlett, The HSUS's deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. "The very fact that Lulu was rescued from Louisiana and living on a farm in Emmitsburg shows that the American public cares deeply about animals and wants their suffering redressed."

HSUS Hurricane Katrina Efforts:

The HSUS helped lead the animal rescue effort after Hurricane Katrina and continues to aid shelters affected by the storm, spending millions to rebuild shelters and fund spay and neuter programs in coastal Louisiana and Mississippi. Tens of thousands of animals, domesticated and feral, were killed during the disaster, and thousands were left homeless. Thanks to help from The HSUS and other animal welfare groups, thousands more like Lulu were rescued.

The Investigators:

Frederick County Animal Control is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Officer Michael Douglas at 301-600-1544 or 301-600-6646.  

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.