The HSUS Offers Reward in Pasadena Animal Cruelty Case

The Humane Society of the United States
Friday, 18 July 2003

The HSUS is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who barricaded a pit bull dog in a closet, without food and water, leaving him to starve to death.

Officers from the Pasadena Humane Society rescued the emaciated, young male, brown pit bull, on July 5. According to Officer Ricky Whitman, the dog is so thin that his spine, ribs and hipbones poke through his coat. He is infected with external and internal parasites and has a hind leg that was broken but never set, leaving him unsteady when standing. Local authorities suspect the dog may have been involved in dogfighting as his face shows signs of scarring and his ears had been crudely removed with scissors. As of this date the dog's condition has not improved and additional medical assistance has been sought.

The HSUS reward of $2,500 will bring the total amount offered through the Pasadena Humane Society to $5,000.

"This dog may have endured an entire life of suffering as a fighter," says Bob Reder, regional coordinator, of The HSUS West Coast Regional Office in Sacramento. "The cruel manner in which he was left to starve to death speaks to the treatment fighting dogs are subjected to by their owners. The connection between animal abuse and violence against humans is well documented. Leaving this dog to die a slow and painful death from starvation is clear torture. No one could want a person of this nature loose on the streets of their neighborhood."

The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS also offers rewards for animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. The HSUS has information on how people can make a difference for animals in their communities including starting a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program. Go to www.hsus.org/firststrike for details.

Anyone with information concerning this case may call Officer Ricky Whitman, of the Pasadena Humane Society, 626-792-7151, ext. 113.

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The HSUS has protected all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. The HSUS West Coast Regional Office serves California, Nevada and Hawaii.

For more information, or to contact The Humane Society of the United States, see their website at: www.hsus.org