Des Moines, IA—The HSUS is offering a $2,000 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person
or persons responsible for burning a dog in Springfield,
Missouri on or about July 1.
On July 2, a man walking his dog found an approximately
one-year-old female beagle mix dog hiding under the porch of a
house on Fort Street between Madison and Grand in Springfield.
The dog was bloody and had wounds running the length of her
body on either side of her spine. The Good Samaritan took the
dog to local veterinarian Cherie Gregory, where it was
determined that the animal had been burned, possibly with a
chemical substance. The man adopted the dog, named Misty, and
local residents and businesses took up a collection to pay for
Misty’s medical care.
Despite a $600 reward offered by concerned citizens
following the incident, no one has been charged with the crime.
Local police have recently initiated an investigation and it is
hoped that the total $2,600 reward will prompt anyone with
information in this case to contact law enforcement.
“We are very concerned that the person who did this is still
at large,” said Arnold Baer, acting director of The HSUS
Midwest Regional office. “It is very likely that whoever
tortured this innocent dog will continue to abuse animals until
he or she is caught. This person also poses a potential threat
to people. We know that individuals who act out violently
towards animals are at an increased risk of also acting out
violently towards people.”
According to Missouri law, a first-time conviction of animal
cruelty carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail
and a $1,000 fine. A first time conviction of torturing a live
animal or a second conviction of animal cruelty carries a
maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Animal protection organizations and law enforcement alike,
including the FBI, have long known about the connection between
animal cruelty and human violence. Many criminals, from young
school shooters to the most notorious serial killers, have had
a history of cruelty to animals. The HSUS First Strike™
campaign raises public awareness about the correlation between
animal cruelty and violence towards people while providing a
variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work
professionals, educators, legislators and families.
As a part of the First Strike™ campaign, The HSUS has
launched a new public service announcement styled as a music
video, educating teens about the connection between animal
cruelty and human violence. According to a 2001 report compiled
by The HSUS, teens made up 20 percent of intentional cruelty
incidents; 95 percent of teen perpetrators were male.
Thanks to her rescuer’s care and the community’s financial
support, Misty’s burns have fully healed, though she will have
permanent scaring and has lost half of her right ear.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call
Officer Bari Reed with Crimestoppers at 417-864-1835. When
calling, refer to case number 0245858.
