DES MOINES — The HSUS is offering a $1,000 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person
or persons responsible for tying up, shooting and killing a dog
in Polk County, Iowa. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is also
offering $500, increasing the total reward to $1,500.
On Thursday, October 31, Polk County sheriff’s officials
found a three-year-old Doberman pinscher tied to a gate in a
recreational area at NW 150th Avenue, at the northwest end of
Big Creek Lake. The dog, named Chaos, had been shot twice in
the head.
The Des Moines Register reports that authorities are
investigating whether the incident is connected to two
complaints and a threatening message left with the Animal
Rescue League of Iowa concerning Chaos and another dog, which
were on the loose and owned by Chad Rouh, who lives about five
miles north of Polk City. One of Rouh’s other dogs, a Doberman
pinscher named Cyrus, is also missing.
“Dogs at-large can be a nuisance, and sometimes even a
danger, to the community. But acting out violently against the
dog is not the way to resolve the problem. It is animal cruelty
and is against the law,” said Arnold Baer, acting director for
The HSUS Midwest Regional Office. “It also indicates a
propensity towards violence that is very disturbing. This
person continues to pose a potential threat to other animals,
and also to people, until he or she is apprehended.”
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 this 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.
Under Iowa law, a first time animal cruelty offense is an
aggravated misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison
and a fine of at least $500 but not to exceed $5,000. A second
offense is a Class D felony and carries a maximum sentence of
five years in jail and a $7,500 fine.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to call
Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400.
“People should not let their dogs roam,” cautioned Baer.
“It is dangerous for the dog, is a nuisance to the community,
and if the dog is not spayed or neutered, contributes to the
pet overpopulation problem. At the same time, if someone is
experiencing trouble with a neighbor who allows their dog to
roam free, they should contact their local animal shelter or
animal control officer immediately. These people are trained to
handle animals at-large, to educate owners about responsible
pet ownership, and can take the dog into custody if
necessary.”
