The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for killing at least nine dogs in the Libby, Troy and Eureka areas of Montana over the past five weeks.
The Case:
News reports and Libby County Animal Control give the following account: Six dogs have been found dead in the Libby area and one has been found dead in the Troy area in the past five weeks. All but one were found with gunshot wounds. Three of the animals were chained.
In the Eureka area, a young Labrador retriever who had been tethered was found dead in the river. A bloody paw print on the rail of the bridge indicated the dog was still alive and struggling as she was dropped 20 feet off the bridge into the Tobacco River. A report has also just been given to Lincoln County Animal Control that another dog has been found in the woods near Eureka with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Animal Cruelty:
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.
In Montana, aggravated animal cruelty is punishable by up to two years in prison and/or up to a $2,500 fine.
"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people, too," said Sylvia Lee, of The HSUS' Northern Rockies regional office. "Montana residents should have no tolerance for cruelty to animals."
The Investigators:
Anyone with information on any of the dog killings are asked to call either: Sarah Caswell, Libby County Animal Control Officer, at 406-293-4040, or Jim Sweet, with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, at 406-293-4112.
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. Visit: humanesociety.org/cruelty.
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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.
