Reward Offered in Oklahoma Elk Poaching Case

December 11, 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 an elk near Pittsburg, Okla. early last week.

The Case:
According to published media reports, the large bull elk was shot and beheaded the first week of December. A local game warden contacted authorities after discovering the headless body in a field about eight miles south of Pittsburg. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation Operation Game Thief program has also offered a reward of $500, bringing the total reward money offered to $3,000.

"This brutal case showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in this serious crime," said Cynthia Armstrong, Oklahoma state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation 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 Lieutenant Todd Tobey with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation at 918-429-3908. Callers will remain confidential.

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

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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.

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.