Thursday , January 10, 2008                                                   

The HSUS Offers Reward In Cape May County, N.J.
Pit Bull Death

(Jan. 10, 2008) — 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 people responsible for the death of a pit bull found stabbed and bludgeoned in a wooded area in Cape May County, N.J.

The Case:
News reports give the following account: The 2-year-old pit bull-terrier mix's body was found in a wooded area off New Jersey Avenue on Dec. 25. The brown dog, who had a white spot on her chest, was found with three stab wounds to her head. Her body was also badly bludgeoned. She was covered with medical tape. An IV catheter was also implanted in her body, which was surrounded by medical equipment. She had obviously been a family pet. Investigators suspect she was killed either Dec. 23 or Dec. 24.

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, too,” said Barbara Dyer, of The HSUS’ Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. “New Jersey residents should have no tolerance for violence against animals.”

The Investigators:
Upper Township, N.J. Certified Animal Control Officer Liam Hughes is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 1-609-399-0199.

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. Visit: humanesociety.org/cruelty.

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Media Contact: Pepper Ballard at 301-258-1417 or pballard@humanesociety.org

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.

The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037
Humanesociety.org - Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.
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