SACRAMENTO – The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person
or persons responsible for dragging a dog behind a pick-up
truck on March 14 between 9:15 and 9:30 p.m. on Dowd Road in
Placer County. Placer County Animal Services, Crimestoppers,
and concerned citizens have also added to the reward, bringing
the total to $5,000.
The approximately one-year-old, male Australian shepherd mix
was reportedly tied to the bumper of a white or cream colored
Toyota pick-up truck as it drove on Dowd Road, according to
authorities. The driver was an adult male in his late teens to
early twenties. An adult male wearing a beige hunting jacket
was riding in the back of the truck.
The dog, named “Raspberry,” suffered cuts, bruises, broken
teeth, and a nose burn. He was treated at the Loomis Basin
Veterinary Hospital and is currently recovering under the care
of Placer County Animal Services staff, who report that he is
shy but “eager for human companionship.”
Bob Reder, program coordinator for The HSUS West Coast
Regional Office, said, “In addition to criminal prosecution, we
know that people capable of such horrendous acts of violence
should be identified and receive necessary psychological
counseling before they abuse another animal or potentially
direct their violent behavior towards people.”
The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and
educates communities about the connection between animal
cruelty and violence towards people while providing a variety
of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work
professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS
also offers rewards for animal cruelty cases across the country
and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty, to make
this a safer world for people and animals alike.
Under California law, persons convicted of felony animal
cruelty may face sentences of up to three years in jail, a
maximum fine of $20,000, and mandatory psychological
counseling.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Department is vigorously
pursuing this case. Anyone with information about this case is
asked to please contact Detective Darrel Steinhauer at
916-652-2445.
