The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the shooting death of a 24-year-old quarter horse named Rocky.
The Case:
News reports give the following account: Rocky, a beloved member of the O'Connor family, was found dead on Nov. 20 next to his home in north central Allen County, Ind. A bullet hole pierced the middle of his forehead.
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 public. 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 Anne Sterling, The HSUS' Indiana state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."
The Investigators:
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the DNR's district law enforcement office in Columbia City at 260-244-3720 or the DNR Law Enforcement Division's North Region Headquarters at 765-473-9722.
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.
