DES MOINES, Iowa – The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for
information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person
or persons responsible for the illegal killing of a pair of
Trumpeter swans last month in Montgomery County, Iowa.
It is presumed the swans were shot within a seven mile
radius of Montgomery County’s Anderson Conservation Area,
according to reports from local, state and wildlife officials.
The conservation area is located a few miles east of Red Oak,
Iowa. It is believed that after the female swan was shot, she
was transported 60 miles away and dumped in a ditch in
Crescent. A Pottawattamie County Roads Department employee
found her on November 20.
The second swan, a male, found close to the conservation
area, had apparently been shot at the same time as the female
and died a few days later from his injuries. A citizen
discovered the male swan on November 30 and notified
authorities. Both swans had been banded and released this past
spring at the conservation area. The swans were still wearing
their neck collars when found.
Other groups that have added to the reward fund that now
stands at $5,000 include Turn in Poachers, a program through
the Department of Natural Resources, Montgomery County Animal
Rescue & Shelter, and several private donations.
“Whether a protected species or companion animal, anyone
capable of so senselessly killing a defenseless animal poses a
potential danger to other animals and people in the community,”
said Diane Webber, director of The HSUS Midwest Regional
Office. “The connection between animal abuse and violence
against humans is well documented. I hope this reward will help
bring those responsible for this crime to justice before
another animal or possibly a person get hurt.”
Trumpeter swans are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird
Treaty Act and cannot be hunted. The illegal taking or killing
of a Trumpeter swan carries a maximum sentence of up to $10,000
in fines, and /or six months confinement.
Through its First Strike® program, The HSUS educates
communities about the animal cruelty/human violence connection
and what people can do to combat animal cruelty, such as
starting a Neighborhood Watch for Animals. First Strike is a
central part of The HSUS’ Animals In Crisis program, which
responds to animal cruelty cases nationwide and is uniquely
experienced in the investigation and prosecution of animal
cruelty crimes. The HSUS also offers rewards in cruelty cases
and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Click here for information
on First Strike.
The Montgomery County Conservation Board is vigorously
pursuing this case. Anyone with information about this case is
asked to please contact Richard Price or Deb Karwal at
712-623-4753. You may also contact Turn in Poachers at
1-800-532-2020.
The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection
organization with more than seven million members and
constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with
active programs in companion animals and equine protection,
wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm
animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The
HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country.
The HSUS Midwest Regional Office serves the states of Iowa,
Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska. Visit The HSUS Web
site at www.hsus.org.
