Reward Offered In Nicholson Township, Pa. Calves' Skinning Deaths

October 1, 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 three calves in three separate incidents at a dairy farm in Nicholson Township, Pa.

The Case:

According to media reports and Diamond Farms Owner Louie Diamond: In the past three weeks, Diamond has found three of his young calves skinned alive at his dairy farm on Jacobs Creek Road. In each case, the perpetrators sliced off only a section of the calves' skin. 

The nights of Sept. 17 and Sept. 22, the animals were skinned in outdoor hutches. After that, Diamond moved all of his calves indoors, into a lighted barn. But on the night of Sept. 29, a third calf was attacked. The first two animals died as a result of their wounds. The third calf was seriously wounded and is undergoing veterinary treatment. She is expected to live. In each incident, the targeted animals were female and were the youngest calves on the farm: They were 3 days old, 12 hours old and 3 days old, respectively. 

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.

"This is one of the most depraved, horrific cases I have ever seen," said Sarah Speed, The HSUS's Pennsylvania director. "Pennsylvanians should have no tolerance for this type of attack."

The Investigators:

Pennsylvania State Police is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 724-439-7111.

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.

-30-

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.