Reward Offered In Stratham, N.H., Dog Death

October 19, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a reward of up to $2500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning a cocker spaniel, between 7 and 9 years old, in an air-tight plastic tub outside the New Hampshire SPCA (NHSPCA) located on Portsmouth Ave. in Stratham. The dog was found dead, apparently from suffocation, and there were indications the dog struggled to escape. 

The Case:
On Sunday October 14, shelter staff sorting donations left outside the NHSPCA discovered a dead Cocker Spaniel in a plastic container.  This black and white, female Cocker Spaniel was found in a dark blue “Sterilite” bin marked “Bar Stuff” with Christmas bows in the bottom.  The dog appeared to be approximately 7 to 9 years of age, had a light purple collar with blue and yellow flowers. 

“Without identification tags or microchip, we are unable to identify the dog or previous owner” stated Steve Sprowl, Manager of Field Services Division for NHSPCA.  “This was a criminal act* and we are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the dog and owner.”  Photographs of the dog can be viewed at www.nhspca.org  by following the link to “Investigations Update”.

Animal Cruelty:
The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection 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/firststrike.

The Investigators:
The case is currently under investigation by the NHSPCA with assistance from the Stratham Police Department. Anyone with information may call the NHSPCA Investigator at 603-772-2921 extension 111 or call the Stratham Police Department. 

*Under New Hampshire law, abandonment of an animal is a misdemeanor: RSA 644:8.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.