The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for hanging a dog in a community park overnight Nov. 3.
The Case: News reports give the following account: Smoky, a German shepherd-mix, was abducted from his back yard Nov. 3. He was found hanging from a swing at nearby Cascade Memorial Park Tuesday morning. Judging from the scratch marks and saliva below him, officers said Smoky struggled to free himself. Police said it appears as if Smoky's guardian was targeted in the attack; His tires were found slashed the same morning his dog was found dead.
Animal Cruelty: Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Alyson Bodai, The HSUS’ Wisconsin state director. “Wisconsin residents will not tolerate violence against animals and demand that those who hurt them be held responsible.”
The Investigators: The Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 1-877-CUF-THEM or 1-877-283-8436.
Resources: The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of 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. To see our journalists' animal cruelty resource guide, which includes information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to: humanesociety.org/crueltyresources.
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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.
