HSUS

March 20, 2012

The HSUS Offers Reward in Burro Killings on Federal Land

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of six wild burros – five of whom were shot and a foal who died when her mother was killed. This reward is in addition to the $2,500 being offered by federal officials.
The Case:  On Tuesday, March 13, rangers found six dead burros within the federal Bureau of Land Management's Lake Pleasant Herd Management Area, northwest of Phoenix in Maricopa County and southern Yavapai County. News reports indicate that other animals may have been shot recently in the area.
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.
“In addition to the obvious callousness of this act, these animals are protected under the Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act,” said Kari Nienstedt, Arizona state director for The Humane Society of the United States. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime.”
The Investigators: The Bureau of Land Management is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 1-800-637-9152.
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. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, go to humanesociety.org.

-30-

Media Contact: Jordan Crump, 301-548-7793, jcrump@humanesociety.org.