Reward Offered In Shoreham, Vt. Dog Shooting Death

April 7, 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 a dog's shooting death in Shoreham, Vt. March 21.

The Case:

Vermont State Police troopers give the following account: On March 22, a dog named Cleo was found dead on the front lawn of her Buttolph Road home at about 1:30 a.m. Cleo's owners left home at about 9 p.m. on March 21 and returned later only to find her lying in a pool of blood. Cleo was bleeding from gunshot wounds to her rib and stomach area.

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 Joanne Bourbeau, The HSUS’s New England regional office director. “Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.” 

The Investigators:

Vermont State Police is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Trooper Mark Busier at 802-388-4919. 

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.