The HSUS Offers Reward In Essex County, N.J. Animal Cruelty Case

July 3, 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 using duct tape to tie together the limbs of ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­an emaciated, young female pit bull and then abandoning her in Branch Brook Park, Newark, N.J.

The Case:

Roseann Trezza, executive director, Associated Humane Societies, Inc., gives the following account: On June 14, Essex County Police officers found the pit bull, cut the tape and delivered her to Associated Humane in Newark, where she immediately received medical attention. All four of the dog’s paws were bloody and scraped raw as if the dog had been dragged by a vehicle or placed in acid. Her injuries were so painful, she couldn’t stand. 

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 Nina Austenberg, The HSUS’s Mid-Atlantic regional office director. “Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.” 

The Investigators:

The New Jersey SPCA is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 1-800-582-5979.

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.