NAPERVILLE, Ill.– The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of a mixed German shepherd puppy and three rabbits in Portage, Ind. on September 7.
The Case:
According to Portage Animal Warden Rick Henderlong, three rabbits and a mixed German shepherd puppy were found in cages at the edge of the woods near the Junior Miss Softball fields on Blake Road. Henderlong said the puppy appeared to have been shot in the head. According to Portage Animal Control, Dr. Laurence Reed, a veterinarian of Chesterton, performed an autopsy on one of the rabbits and stated it appeared the rabbit died of blunt force trauma. Pat Parish from the Portage Animal Control stated "someone had to see the person or persons dropping off this cage, it is over 10 feet long."
Wildlife specialists from The HSUS have viewed photographs of the cages and stated the cages look like they were handmade and used to house rabbits.
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 www.hsus.org/firststrike.
The Investigators:
Anyone with information is asked to call the Portage County Animal Control at 219-763-1825.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
The Central States Regional Offices serves Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Ohio.
