The HSUS Offers Reward in Reported Billings, Mont. Dog Theft

March 12, 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 alleged theft of Roxy, a boxer-mastiff female dog, reportedly taken by three men on Feb. 28 on Burlington Avenue in Billings, Mont.

The Case:

The Billings Gazette reported the following: On Feb. 28, shortly after 4:30 p.m., three men were reportedly seen attempting to lure three dogs into a minivan in the 2600 block of Burlington Avenue. Of the three dogs, Roxy was taken, said Billings Police Department Officer Ken Tuss. The older model minivan was described as light blue with red-and-white lettering on the side. It had Arizona tags or temporary plates.

In September 2007, The HSUS issued a reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for allegedly taking 14 dogs, mostly Labrador retrievers, from various locations within Lincoln County, Wyo., in the northwestern part of the state. Two of those dog disappearances have been confirmed as thefts, according to Lincoln County Sheriff's Office investigators.

"Pet theft is not only a nightmare for an animal to endure, but for the family who suffers and grieves, not knowing their companion's fate," said Suzi Hansen, of The HSUS' Northern Rockies regional office. "At this time, there has not been any information confirming that the Lincoln County, Wyoming cases and/or the alleged thefts of the Billings dog, Roxy, are related cases."

Hansen said people should never leave their pets outside, unattended, and should verify their pets' identifying information is up to date by checking pet tags and taking new pet photographs. Micro-chipping is a good backup form of identification and another tool to help reunite pets when they become separated from their families. Communities can also look into implementing a "Neighborhood Pet Watch," which would help increase the patrol of suspicious activities. Remember to contact not only your local animal shelter to report a missing pet, but to also call local law enforcent. Police have the jurisdiction and resources to apprehend those involved in criminal activity.

The Investigators:

The Billings Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is urged to call Officer Ken Tuss at 406-657-8200. Roxy’s owner and close friends are offering an additional $250 reward for information that would help them find Roxy.  

Background:

Stolen pets can face any number of threats. Sometimes lost or stolen dogs are used by dogfighters as “bait” to train fighting dogs. At other times, dogs may be taken and sold for biomedical research and testing. 

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.