The Humane Society of the United States Offers Reward for Information in Pasadena Rabbit Cruelty Case

The Humane Society of the United States
Friday, 8 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 who threw a small lop-eared rabbit out the window of their moving vehicle while traveling on Highway One, south of San Francisco on July 14.

Witnesses stopped to give aid to the very small, badly hurt rabbit who appeared terrified. The good Samaritans took the rabbit, now named Samosa, to a local animal shelter where she was medicated for pain and then was moved to Rabbit Haven, a local rabbit rescue group. Samosa is now recuperating at the House Rabbit Society shelter in Richmond, California.

"In addition to her injuries incurred on the highway," said Margo DeMello, director for the House Rabbit Society, "she suffers from severe foot injuries possible caused from being constricted in a wire cage and loss of a considerable amount of hair possibly due to psychological stress."

In California, animal cruelty is a felony crime punishable by up to three years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. Under the law, individuals convicted of cruelty to animals are required to receive psychological assessment and treatment. In 1998, California was the first state to enact such a law. Today, five other states—Iowa, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida and Indiana—have similar laws. In New Jersey, Illinois, Maine, Texas and Nevada, it is mandatory for juvenile animal cruelty offenders to receive psychological counseling.

"The kind people who stepped forward to save this little rabbit deserve the highest praise," said Bob Reder, coordinator of The HSUS West Coast Regional Office in Sacramento. "Without their assistance, it is likely Samosa would have died. Animal cruelty is taken very seriously in California. We need the public's help in locating the person or persons responsible for this crime. Whoever tossed Samosa out into traffic to die has a total disregard for life and is a threat to both animals and people in the community. The connection between animal abuse and human violence is well documented. We encourage anyone with information about this case to come forward."

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. Everyone can make a difference for animals in their communities. The HSUS has information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program and other tips to help animals at www.hsus.org/firststrike.

Reder also noted a considerable increase of unwanted rabbits in California animal shelters. "The increase is due to impulse buys at Easter time, over breeding and a lack of education about the long term commitment it takes to care for a rabbit."

Unfortunately, many rabbits end up neglected and languish in backyard cages with inadequate social contact, medical care, a poor diet and not enough exercise. "Right now, we don't know who threw Samosa out of the moving car, but we do know by her injuries that she suffered long-term confinement," Reder said. For more information on rabbit care, visit The HSUS Web site at www.hsus.org/ace/11808.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to call The House Rabbit Society at 510-970-7575.

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