The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting, stabbing and decapitating a dog in Miller County, Arkansas.
The Case: According to police reports and witness accounts: On Dec. 14, Millie, a pit bull type dog, was let out in her yard and never came back inside. Millie’s owner went out to look for her and found her with five bullet holes, stab wounds and decapitated near Miller County Road 252, approximately 1,000 yards behind her home.
Ashley Mauceri, manager of cruelty response for The HSUS, said: “The level of brutality shown to this innocent dog is appalling. Our hearts break for Millie and her family, and hope our reward will help law enforcement find the person responsible for this disturbing act of animal cruelty.”
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 Investigators: Miller County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information can call the Criminal Investigations Division at 870-774-3001.
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.
The National Sheriffs’ Association and The HSUS recently launched ICE BlackBox, a free smartphone tool, to allow users to record video of illegal animal cruelty and share it securely with law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution.
The HSUS recently doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from an HSUS board member. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, click here.
