The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for fatally shooting a quarter horse in Jefferson County, Tenn.
The Case: The Jefferson County Humane Society gives the following account: On Wednesday, a 5-year-old quarter horse named Blizz was shot to death at 1201 Big Bend Road in Strawberry Plains, Tenn. Blizz was found dead in the pasture early Thursday morning. Necropsy results show a bullet wound above her eye that shattered her skull.
In addition to animal cruelty charges, Blizz's perpetrators could also face theft charges. According to Tennessee law, the intentional killing of an animal without the owner's consent constitutes property theft. Based on the value of the horse, Blizz's theft would be considered a Class D felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 12 years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Leighann McCollum, The HSUS’ Tennessee state director. “Tennesseans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.”
The Investigators: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Jefferson County Humane Society at 865-475-8930.
Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence 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. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 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.
