Reward Offered in Lackawanna County, Pa. Poaching Incidents

December 4, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing several deer and a bear in Lackawanna County, Pa.

The Case:

According to a published news story, a wildlife conservation officer reported that several deer and a bear had been shot at night in Lackawanna County. Officers also received reports of poaching along River Road in Thornhurst and Benton Townships. Officials said that they rely on information from individuals in poaching cases and are asking for help from the public to solve these cases.

"Poaching is not only callous and irresponsible, it's also a crime that all too often goes unpunished," said Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Pennsylvania Game Commission for strongly enforcing anti-poaching laws."

Poaching:

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Regional Office at (570) 675-1143.

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.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with The Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.