The Humane Society of the United States Offers Reward in Georgia Case of Mutilated and Drowned Dogs

The Humane Society of the United States
Tuesday, 5 August 2003

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing two dogs, one by apparent disembowelment and the other by drowning. The dogs were found in Chattanooga Valley, Georgia last month.

Walker County Animal Control reports that a bulldog mix and a terrier mix were found on July 15 in a creek in Chattanooga Valley. According to animal control officer Curtis Patterson, the smaller dog had been disemboweled, and the bulldog had been hanged and then tied to a cinder block and thrown in a creek to drown him.

"By all accounts this was a sadistic case of animal torture, which is a felony in Georgia," said Ann Chynoweth, counsel to Investigative Services for The HSUS. "We hope our reward will encourage witnesses to come forward so that this animal abuser is brought to justice. We are especially concerned because there is a documented connection between animal cruelty and human violence. Anyone who abuses animals for their own enjoyment is a threat to both animals and people."

In Georgia, the crime of aggravated animal cruelty is a felony. Penalties include up to five years in prison. Psychological counseling may also be ordered for animal cruelty offenders.

The HSUS First Strike® campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence. Through the program, The HSUS provides resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and citizens to learn about the connection and what people can do to combat animal cruelty. The HSUS also offers rewards in cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

Walker County Animal Control is investigating this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact animal control officer Curtis Patterson at (706) 375-2100.

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 Southeast Regional Office serves Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Mississippi. For more information on The HSUS First Strike campaign, visit www.hsus.org/firststrike.

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