The Humane Society of the United States Offers Reward for Information in Sparks, Nevada Puppy Killing

The Humane Society of the United States
Wednesday, 13 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 savagely beat to death a seven month old puppy in Sparks, Nevada last month.

On July 16, in the Cimarron subdivision of northeast Sparks, a person or persons entered the backyard of a residence where there were two dogs, Niko, a 7- month-old terrier puppy, and a boxer. Both dogs lived at the residence. According to police reports, Niko was fatally struck in the head with a blunt object, with such force as to tear his upper jaw from his head. The jaw was later found several feet away from his body. The boxer escaped fatal injuries but did show signs of being hit. Sadly, Niko's owner, a 6-year-old boy, found the dead puppy after returning home from school.

"The young boy is broken hearted, the family is extremely devastated and the neighborhood is on alert," said Detective Jeanmarie Walsh of the Sparks Police Department. "After canvassing the neighborhood and speaking with family acquaintances we still are not sure of the motive for this crime. At this time we do not have any leads, however, we intend to continue on with the investigation."

The reward offered by The HSUS will be added to the reward already offered by the Nevada Humane Society for a total of $3,500. The Sparks Police Department is vigorously pursuing this case. Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Detective Jeanmarie Walsh, Sparks PD at 775-353-2225 or 775-353-2231.

"The brutal beating of a puppy is the work of someone capable of extreme violence and likely a threat to other animals and people in the community," said Bob Reder, coordinator of The HSUS West Coast Regional Office in Sacramento. "The connection between animal abuse and violence against humans is well documented. Whoever is responsible for this devastating crime must be brought to justice. The safety of other animals, and possibly people in the community is at stake."

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 for the public to learn about the connection and what people can do to combat animal cruelty, including starting a Neighborhood Watch for Animals program. The HSUS also offers rewards for animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Everyone can make a difference for animals in their communities. For information go on-line at www.hsus.org/firststrike.

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 HSUS is headquartered in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices. The 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