December?6,?2012
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a dog multiple times and chaining him to a tree in the Cleveland area. The dog survived.
The Case: News reports give the following account: On Nov. 26, a dog walker discovered a wounded mastiff chained to a tree in Forest Hill Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and called authorities.?The dog had been shot twice, chained to a tree and left for dead. The dog?now named Forest?is recovering in the care of the Public Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Ohio.?
?The Cleveland community has rallied around this gentle giant and supported him during his recovery,? said Amy Beichler, executive director of PAWS Ohio. ?In the eight years of leading this organization, I have never seen such an outpouring of love.??
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.
?The senseless shooting and blatant disregard for this dog?s life are tragic and, this is a serious crime,? said Karen Minton, The HSUS? Ohio state director. ?Ohio remains one of only three states with no first-time felony offense for animal cruelty. This crime should raise awareness that Ohio can no longer afford to be one of the weakest states in the nation in punishing these heinous crimes. We hope our reward helps find the person or persons who committed this despicable act.?
The Investigators: The Cleveland Heights Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 216-321-1234.
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 information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, click here.
Media Contact: Pepper Van Tassell: 240-751-0232; pvantassell@humanesociety.org
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