ST. PAUL, Minn.— News of the horrific case of Chevy, a teenager's young therapy dog who was beheaded in St. Paul, Minnesota, has spread worldwide. Since The Humane Society of the United States first posted a $2,500 reward Wednesday, the public has responded with an outpouring of pledges and donations to the reward and heartfelt sympathies for the family.
Calls and e-mails have come in to The HSUS from many places across the country and beyond including Tempe, Arizona, New York City, the Woodlands, Texas and Toronto, Canada. In addition to The HSUS reward, the total in pledges and donations has reached more than $10,000 and is climbing.
To make a donation to the "Justice for Chevy" restricted fund, go to www.humanesociety.org
Well-wishers can send cards to the family via the St. Paul Police Department, Attn: Homicide Unit, 367 Grove Street, St. Paul, MN 55101
The Case:
According to published news reports and the St. Paul police department, the dog had been missing since around Valentine's Day, and the family distributed missing posters throughout their St. Paul neighborhood. Chevy, an Australian Shepherd, was a special therapy dog for the family's 17-year-old daughter. In late February, the daughter found a package wrapped in Christmas paper and addressed to her on the front porch of their home. The girl opened the package and found the dog's head inside. The St. Paul Police Department's homicide division is investigating active leads in the case and is looking for public cooperation and information that would lead to an arrest.
Animal Cruelty:
Acts like this have disturbing implications for the community at large because there is a well-documented connection between animal cruelty and human violence. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection while providing 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 www.hsus.org/firststrike .
The Investigators:
The St. Paul Police Department is investigating this case. Anyone with information should call Sergeant Jim Gray at 651-266-5650, extension 65659.
Learn More:
The HSUS will participate in a conference on family violence and animal abuse with members of law enforcement, education, and social agencies on March 29 at the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota; to learn more, visit www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/events/bridge .
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.
The HSUS Central States Regional Office serves Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
