The HSUS Offers Reward In Austin, Minn. Dog Mutilation

October 8, 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 the ears of a 6-month-old dog near Austin, Minn.

The Case:

Police and news reports give the following account: The Mower County Humane Society in Austin, Minn. took in a 6-month-old pit bull who was found wandering on a farm north of town. Shelter volunteers noticed fresh scabs on the dog’s ears and determined that he suffered from a botched ear cropping attempt that left him with little more than a hole on the right side of his head. The dog, who is now named Lionel, was treated by a veterinarian. He is in good health and is available for adoption at the Mower County Humane Society. 

“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Jill Fritz, The HSUS’s Minnesota state director. “Citizens of Mower County should be concerned that someone out there is capable of demonstrating such callous disregard for suffering.” 

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. 

The Investigators:

The Mower County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Sheriff Terese Amazi at 1-800-437-9409. 

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.