The HSUS Offers Reward In Opelika, Ala. Puppy's Death

July 15, 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 ­­­­­­­­­­­mutilating a puppy and leaving her body in an Opelika, Ala. mobile home park.

The Case:

Lee County Humane Society officials give the following account: On June 2, a resident of an Opelika mobile home park, at 922 Lee Road, found the remains of a mutilated female puppy and called the Lee County Humane Society. The puppy had been beaten and sliced open and was found with sticks protruding from her body.

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 Mindy Gilbert, The HSUS's Alabama state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."

The Investigators:

The Lee County Sheriff's Office and Lee County Humane Society are investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Sheriff's Investigator Brian Moore at 334-749-5651 or Lee County Humane Society Animal Cruelty Investigator Jama Singley at 334-821-3222.

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.