A $16,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the recent cruel and thoughtless torture of a dog in Neosho, Missouri.
The reward grew yesterday after Peace 4 Animals contributed $2,000 to the fund that also includes $5,000 from the HSUS and $9,000 that was raised by the Neosho Police Department.
According to The Neosho Police Department, officers responded to an animal abuse complaint on September 23rd. Upon arrival, they discovered a female beagle who had approximately 75% of her skin removed while she was alive. The dog either escaped from the assault or was set free in this condition. Officers caught the injured animal and after consulting veterinary staff, the dog had to be euthanized to end her suffering.
This is beyond heartbreaking and horrifying on many levels!
“It takes a truly callous person to skin a dog alive and it is completely heartbreaking to imagine the suffering this dog endured,” said Amanda Good, Missouri state director for the HSUS in a statement. “We hope that this reward will encourage anyone with information about this terrible crime to come forward, not only to help seek justice for this animal, but also to ensure the safety of the entire community.”
As previously noted by WAN, the connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented by scientists, criminologists and the law enforcement and medical fields. Studies establish a clear link between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault. Securing the serious attention and engagement of law enforcement officials, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the whole community.
“Upon hearing about this horrific incident, we decided to step forward and contribute to the the reward fund. These unfathomable crimes are serious and must be treated as such and the perpetrators responsible should and must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Katie Cleary, Founder of Peace 4 Animals and World Animal News. “We must work together with other groups to ensure change occurs before more animals, and people, are hurt or killed at the evil hands of an abuser.”
