The HSUS Asks the Wash. Department of Corrections to Investigate Animal Care at State Penitentiaries

September 8, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States today called for a full investigation into an allegation of widespread animal cruelty by inmates at the Washington State Penitentiary.

The HSUS wrote state Corrections Secretary Eldon Vail saying that any potential rehabilitation of criminals would be "horribly undermined" by subjecting animals to suffering in an officially-sanctioned prison program. A similar letter was dispatched to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife because the allegation involved inmate-raised pheasants who were to be stocked on wildlands.

The HSUS was initially contacted by a relative of an inmate who reported the recent death of approximately 1,000 birds due to overcrowding, heat exposure and improper care.

The individual described the birds as being jammed in two cages in stifling 100-degree weather. The individual stated that inmate participants were supposed to "hose the birds down" in an attempt to cool them. The individual further described birds as being fed garbage and having their beaks mutilated and their eyesight impaired.

"Raising animals in such inhumane conditions as those described by the inmate not only promotes callousness and disregard for the suffering of animals, but is detrimental to those inmates who exhibit empathy for other living beings," stated Eric Sakach, The HSUS's West Coast regional director.

The Department of Corrections contracts with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to supply birds for its "pheasant stocking," during which these non-native birds are released into the landscape solely as living targets for shooters.

To date, Washington officials have not responded to the HSUS letters. 

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

-30-

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.