The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for sealing three young puppies in a plastic bag and abandoning them at the Paso Nogal Park in Pleasant Hill.
The Case: News reports give the following account: On Jan. 19, three five-week-old male terrier puppies were found sealed in trash bag near a garbage can in Paso Nogal Park. The animals were taken home by the couple who found them, cleaned and fed and then brought to the Contra Costa Animal Services shelter. The dogs have all been examined and are doing well. The East Bay Animal Rescue and Refuge is caring for the dogs and will place them for adoption in the coming weeks.
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.
Eric Sakach, senior law enforcement specialist with The Humane Society of the United States, said: “These innocent puppies did not deserve to be treated like trash and left to die – luckily passerby found the dogs in time. We are grateful to Contra Costa Animal Services for taking this case seriously and for working to find loving homes for each of the dogs.”
The Investigators: Contra Costa County Animal Services is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Sgt. Cedric Williams-Cain at (925) 335-8364 in reference to investigation A15-002098.
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.
The National Sheriffs’ Association and The HSUS recently launched ICE BlackBox, a free smartphone tool, to allow users to record video of illegal animal cruelty and share it securely with law enforcement for possible investigation and prosecution.
The HSUS recently doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from an HSUS board member. To see information on statistics, trends, laws and animal cruelty categories, click here.
Subscribe to Wayne Pacelle’s blog, A Humane Nation. Follow The HSUS Media Relations department on Twitter for the latest animal welfare news. See our work for animals on your Apple or Android device by searching for our “Humane TV” app.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated the most effective by its peers. Since 1954, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. We rescue and care for tens of thousands of animals each year, but our primary mission is to prevent cruelty before it occurs. We’re there for all animals, across America and around the world. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — on the Web at humanesociety.org.
