Reward Offered in Wayne County, N.C., Animal Cruelty Case

July 31, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for intentionally poisoning animals with anti-freeze in Wayne County, N.C.

The Case:
At least five dogs in the town of Grantham ingested anti-freeze. Four dogs are dead and one survived after emergency treatment and hospitalization. A test administered by the treating veterinarian detected ethylene glycol, which is found in anti-freeze. All five dogs showed signs of anti-freeze ingestion.

"A large number of animals who ingest antifreeze do not recover. By some estimates, 10,000 pets die each year from antifreeze poisoning, making the toxin ethylene glycol a serious concern," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS. 

Ethylene glycol, the main ingredient in almost all major anti-freeze brands, has an inviting aroma, a sweet flavor—and deadly effects. Its appealing smell and taste often tempt animals and children to drink the highly poisonous substance.  For more information on the danger anti-freeze posses to animals, visit humanesociety.org/pets/pet_care/antifreeze.html

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:
Wayne County Animal Control is investigating this case.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Justin Scally, Wayne County Animal Control Director, at 919-731-1439 or call 911 after business hours.

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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.

The Southeast Regional Office of The HSUS, located in Tallahassee, Fla., serves the animals and people of seven states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.