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Idaho Humane Society assists Owyhee County Sheriff and others during massive rescue of wolves, bobcats and neglected domestic animals

Boise, ID 04/23/08 - Approximately 17 captive wolves, five bobcats and numerous dogs and domestic cats are being removed from an Owyhee County property by representatives of the Idaho Humane Society, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Idaho Department of Agriculture, Idaho Fish and Game, and Owyhee County Sheriff's Office. The owner of the animals, Sandy Knox, of 10305 China Ditch Road, voluntarily relinquished the animals to authorities after inspections of the premises revealed significant deficiencies in the facility and standards of animal care. Per this agreement, Knox will retain ownership of two wolves and two bobcats, with the condition that the holding facilities and animal care standards comply with U.S.D.A. requirements.

Because the wolves and bobcats could not be handled safely, veterinarians from the Idaho Humane Society and the Idaho Department of Agriculture are using anesthetic darts to sedate the animals for examination, treatment and transport.

Six wolves will be transported to the Wolf Education and Research Center in Winchester, Idaho, and the remaining wolves will be sent to Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary in Greencove Springs, Florida. The bobcats will be held at the Idaho Humane Society while final arrangements are made for their transportation to a zoo in North Dakota, and a wildlife center in Colorado. Dogs, domestic cats and a goose will also be held by the Idaho Humane Society for evaluation and treatment before being placed for adoption.

On October 29th of last year, one wolf escaped from Knox's property, located near Walter's Ferry on the southern bank of the Snake River. The wolf was responsible for killing a number of livestock in Owyhee County before being shot by local authorities.

According to Idaho Humane Society Executive Director, Jeff Rosenthal, D.V.M., The rescue of wildlife species poses a tremendous challenge for humane societies, wildlife groups and government agencies. Wildlife kept as pets or held in roadside zoos often suffer abuse, poor diet, lack of veterinary care, and ailments due to inbreeding. While there is no shortage of individuals who desire to own animals such as wolves and exotic cats, there are very few who are both knowledgeable and properly equipped to do so. As a result, tragic cases of neglect and suffering of captive wildlife and exotic animals are all too common, Mitigating wildlife abuse cases strain the resources of counties, cities, state, and federal agencies, and non-profit wildlife groups and humane societies.

Many of these exotic wildlife facilities constitute a danger to the public. Almost yearly fatal attacks and maulings take place in these poorly run facilities. In 1995, Ligertown Game Farm, a ramshackle roadside exotic game farm near Lava Springs, Idaho, was the scene of a mass escape of captive lions, lion-tiger crossbreeds, and wolf-hybrids. As a result, 19 lions had to be shot in the aftermath and dozens of animals were relocated.

According to the Idaho Humane Society, the rescue of these animals required extensive networking with groups and organizations throughout the country. The Humane Society expressed appreciation to all involved agencies, including the Humane Society of the United States for assistance in locating appropriate facilities for the animals.

The Idaho Humane Society supports increased regulation of wildlife and exotic animal facilities and recommends that counties pass bans on private ownership of dangerous exotic animals such as lions and tigers, with the exception of animals placed in accredited zoological parks.

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest animal protection organization and veterinary charity in the state of Idaho. The Idaho Humane Society works to prevent animal cruelty through education and investigation. For more information on reporting animal cruelty in our area visit our Animal Protection page or call 1-866-430-9432.

 


Idaho Humane Society Applauds Governor And State Legislature On Passage Of Felony Dog Fighting Statute.

Boise, ID 12/25/08 - Today, Governor Butch Otter signed an historic bill officially making dog fighting a felony offense in Idaho. The Idaho Humane Society expressed its appreciation to the governor, Senator Brad Little - the bill's sponsor - and the entire Idaho State Legislature, for nearly unanimous passage of the bill.

According to Idaho Humane Society executive director, Jeff Rosenthal, DVM, "We are extremely grateful for the successful passage of this bill, which is due to the support of our governor, legislature, law enforcement agencies and other concerned groups and individuals throughout Idaho. Our law now truly reflects Idahoan's strong abhorrence of animal cruelty and provides a real deterrent to those who engage in this cruel blood sport. With a maximum penalty of five years in prison and up to $50,000, Idaho now has one of the strongest anti-dog fighting laws in the country."

Three previous legislative rounds failed to pass a felony dog-fighting bill, so the Idaho Humane Society began an all-out effort to get the laws changed by this session. Governor Otter announced support for the felony penalty early in 2007, and the Idaho Humane Society secured the support of Senator Brad Little, (R, Emmett, district 11), who then convened meetings of interest groups - including those involved in agriculture - to draft the legislation and achieve broad-based consensus. The Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, Idaho Sheriff's Association, Capitol City Kennel Club and other groups, along with numerous individuals, all provided valuable input and support to the effort.

The bill's successful passage leaves Wyoming as the only state without a felony animal fighting statute in the nation. Currently a bill that would make both dog fighting and cockfighting a felony is being considered by the Wyoming legislature.

The Idaho Humane Society maintains a toll-free animal cruelty and neglect hot line to receive reports of suspected animal cruelty, neglect or animal fighting from citizens throughout the region. The number is 866-430-9432.

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest animal protection organization in the State of Idaho. I.H.S. offers rewards in animal cruelty cases in the state, and works to prevent animal cruelty through education and investigation. For more information on reporting animal cruelty in the area visit our Animal Protection page.

 


IHS Offers $5,000 Reward In Garden City Cruelty Case
Contact: Garden City Police Department 377-6790 or the Idaho Humane Society's toll-free animal fighting/animal abuse hot-line at 1-866-430-9432.

BOISE, ID (December 17, 2007) - Idaho Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the dismemberment of a cat in Garden City.  The cat's severed tail was found in the mailbox of the owner on Sunday, December 16th. The location was near 44th Street in Garden City, Idaho. Garden City Police responded to the scene and collected evidence including a note left with the tail, apparently written by the perpetrator. The victimized cat has not been recovered however and her name is Ali.  She is a three year old, dark grey, female cat.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call the Garden City Police Department 377-6790 or the Idaho Humane Society's toll-free animal fighting/animal abuse hot-line at 1-866-430-9432.

According to Idaho Humane Society Executive Director, Jeff Rosenthal, D.V.M., "we are horrified by this case of extreme cruelty towards an animal and the malicious intent indicated by this note. In addition to our concern for this animal and others in our community, there is a close link between violence towards animals and violent crimes perpetrated against humans."

Notorious serial killers, including Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Andrew Cunanan, David 'Son of Sam' Berkowitz, and Albert 'Boston Strangler' DeSalvo are known to have committed acts of cruelty to animals before they started hurting people. In the more recent case of the Columbine High School shootings, teenagers Eric Harris, and Dylan Klebold were also known for their past history of animal cruelty.

There is also a close link between domestic violence and animal abuse. In one national survey of domestic violence victims, 83% of women with companion animals reported that their batterers had also hurt or threatened the family pet.

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest animal protection organization in the State of Idaho.  The Idaho Humane Society offers rewards in animal cruelty cases in the state and works to prevent animal cruelty through education and investigation.  For more information on reporting animal cruelty in the area, go to idahohumanesociety.org. and click on Animal Protection.

Individuals interested in making donations toward the Idaho Humane Society's Animal Abuse Fund should contact Christine Moore, Development Director at 208/387-2760.

The Idaho Humane Society is the State's oldest and largest animal protection organization. The Idaho Humane Society's mission is to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty and promote humane awareness and compassion.

 


Idaho Humane Society Announces Holiday Adoption Festival
Boise, ID, December 17, 2007

If your family is ready to welcome a new pet, consider adopting a homeless dog or cat from the Idaho Humane Society. Santa will be at the animal shelter on Saturday to help homeless animals get adopted. But Santa won't be making pet deliveries in his sleigh, since it's too dangerous to take the animals on a cold sleigh ride. He is hoping the good people in the Boise Valley will join him at the shelter and adopt a pet.

The Holiday Adoption Festival will include discounted adoption fees, refreshments, photos with Santa Claus (from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.), a silent auction, as well as a special presentation on "What to Expect from a New Pet and How to Make the Transition" by IHS veterinarian, Sarah Correll, DVM (10-11 a.m.).

Pets make wonderful companions, but must be regarded as long-term family members not just a Christmas impulse buy. The Idaho Humane Society discourages people from giving pets as surprise gifts during the holiday season and wants to make sure that new pet owners are prepared to make a commitment for life. Care must be taken to minimize stress for your pet during the holidays while also including them in family activities. Another great option to adopting a pet during the holidays. is to purchase a gift certificate for a future adoption or make a donation in honor of family or friends.

The Idaho Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization with a mission to advocate the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion.

 


Dog Thieves
By Michelle DeGrand

Boise, Idaho - Some call them designer dogs. They're little, they're cute, they're usually expensive, and they can be a hot commodity for criminals. The Humane Society has an entire board of missing dog posters, many with rewards or pleas for information. They say it's very likely at least some of those dogs have been stolen.

"This is the Buddy and Samantha page on our family scrapbook," explains Michala Hayford as she flips through a book filled with pictures of her family, including two adorable Yorkshire Terrier puppies. "They both love to be carried like babies," she says of one picture where the small dogs are being cradled in her arms. Hayford says she feels like they are her babies. That made it all the more difficult to deal with their disappearance earlier this week after they were let out into the backyard to go to the bathroom.

"I've never cried like this," she says of the devastating experience, "You don't even know what to do, I feel like I lost my children." Hayford canvassed the neighborhood with flyers, traveled their normal walking routes, and called the Humane Society, only to get the feeling Buddy and Samantha may have been taken. "Someone had to have picked them up, good citizen or not," said Hayford, "I mean if you see two little teeny babies running around someone's going to pick them up."

"Whether coincidental or not, we have had 6 lost reports in the last ten days for Yorkies," said Idaho Humane Society veterinarian Jeff Rosenthal. He said small dog thefts are common because they're easy to steal, easy to keep, and if you're looking to sell, they fetch a high price, especially around the holidays. "Even at the Humane Society we have had to put up extra cameras because of people stealing small dogs and even cats," said Rosenthal.

"I mean I don't know if they're hungry, I don't know if they're cold, I don't know if they've been split up, I don't know anything and it's just horrifying," said Hayford. Though there's usually no way of knowing what happened to missing dogs, Hayford's included, she says she's not giving up. "I did the crying thing," she said, "Now I'm just in fight mode, I want my babies back... They've got to be out there somewhere, someone has to know something, so we're just hoping the right person comes forward and helps us." The two small Yorkies were last seen in their yard at 11:00 am Tuesday near Hill Rd. and Bogart. The family did get a call from a bus driver later in the week who said an older man with white hair and a beard walking a white dog in the area took two loose Yorkies, saying he knew where they lived.

If you have any information about the case, email CBS 2 Eyewitness News at tipline.2news.tv or call reporter Michelle DeGrand at (208) 489-1255.

The Humane Society recommends keeping tags on pets, bringing them inside while away from your home, and having them micro-chipped to identify them later. They say they also see thefts of hunting dogs right before hunting season and there are even dog dealers who sell dogs to research facilities, and sometimes those are stolen dogs. Currently, those facilities don't require proof where the dog came from, but there is a bill before congress now to keep closer track of that industry and require sellers show where the dogs came from.

 


Watch Your Pooch!
Some stolen dogs given as holiday gifts
Friday, November 16, 2007
By Ysabel Bilbao/KTVB

BOISE -- Stolen from their homes -- little dogs, missing from their backyards. One Boise couple says it happened to them, and the Ada County Humane Society says they are not alone.

Tis the season right? The Humane Society says as people start shopping for holiday gifts, some start stealing dogs.

In the past 10 days, six Yorkshire terriers have turned up missing in Ada County -- small dogs that could be worth thousands.

The Humane Society says the theft of one particular dog is unusual, but it's not unusual that small dogs turn up missing. That's because they're easy to take and easy to hide.

Joe Hally and Michala Hayford believe that's what happened to their two Yorkshire terriers who went missing three days ago.

"They have a potty bell and they go to the backyard and we don't let them out for very long, they were let out Tuesday morning about 11 and then five, ten minutes, they were gone," said Hayford.

"Little dogs in particular, people like to steal and so it's an increased concern for people who have little guys like this that they keep an eye on them and safeguard them," said Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, Humane Society.

Stealing dogs has become such a problem that the Humane Society has installed cameras in the hallways. They had to put them there after people tried to steal dogs from them. And not only is there a problem with theft of small dogs, but also hunting dogs.

 


Burns, Oregon Dog Rescue Update
For Immediate Release - Idaho Humane Society

On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 108 of the 181 dogs rescued from a Burns, Oregon puppy mill were adopted into new families. Over 400 people waited in line that day and many of them adopted other dogs and cats that were in the shelter giving us a grand total of 147 adoptions in one day - a shelter record!

The remaining dogs that are currently in foster homes will not be going up for public adoption. Once these animals are deemed ready for adoption, we will be trying to fill as many requests as possible from the individuals who waited in line that day and completed the special request forms for one of them. The names will be randomly drawn and the individuals will be contacted by the Idaho Humane Society.

Thank you so much for your interest in this rescue and for your support. Remember, we always have beautiful dogs and cats in the shelter every day that need loving homes!

 


Rescued Dogs Ready For New Homes
For Immediate Release - Idaho Humane Society

Boise, ID 10/8/07 - One hundred and ten of the more than 200 dogs rescued by the Idaho Humane Society from deplorable conditions in a puppy mill in Burns, Oregon, are now ready to meet the public and start new lives with loving families. Adoptions will begin Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at the Idaho Humane Society.

"The interest from the community is extremely high and we are expecting a huge turnout on Wednesday when these cuties get to meet the public for the first time," said Dee Fugit, Idaho Humane Society spokesperson. "We will be opening our doors to adopters starting at 10 a.m. and are hopeful that all of the rescued dogs, along with many wonderful dogs and cat already at the shelter, will have new homes by the end of the day."

Most of the dogs from the Burns, Oregon rescue are smaller breeds such as Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, Schnauzers, Pomeranians and lots of terrier and other mixes. There are a few medium and larger sized mixed breed dogs.

All of these animals have had physical exams, they have been vaccinated, evaluated, microchipped and all have been spayed or neutered. Adoption fees for the rescued dogs, most of which are smaller breeds with many thought to be purebreds, will range from $100.00 to $150.00. Adoption fees for animals that are currently in the shelter, will also be reduced on Wednesday ONLY to $50.00 for dogs and $40.00 for cats.

Potential adopters should report to the Education Center at the Idaho Humane Society on Wednesday morning, October 10, 2007 starting at 10 a.m. If there are a large number of people in line at 10 a.m. each person will be able to draw a number and then shelter volunteers will escort groups of ten at a time to the kennels to select the dog that they want. "We really don't want people to camp out on the shelter steps in order to be first in line so we are trying to organize this so that the entire process runs smoothly and that everyone has a chance to adopt the pet they want," said Fugit.

Volunteers will be assisting individuals in their selections and with the adoption process. Dr. Sarah Correll of the Animal Behavior Department of the Idaho Humane Society will be available to answer questions.

The Idaho Humane Society's mission is to advocate the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty and promote humane awareness and compassion.

 


Dogs Rescued from Puppy Mill in Burns, Oregon
BOISE, ID - October 3, 2007

On October 3rd, the Idaho Humane Society responded to a request from Harney County Oregon Sheriff's Department for assistance with the rescue of a over 200 dogs seized from a puppy mill/hoarding situation in Burns, Oregon.

According to Dr Jeff Rosenthal, executive director of the Idaho Humane Society, the dogs, three cats and two birds were living in deplorable conditions on property occupied by Dorothy Schatz. This case is similar to the Barbara Erickson dog hoarding case which occurred in 2003 in Harper, Oregon. Animal abusers may choose to live in Eastern Oregon because rural law enforcement has few resources to devote to these types of crimes committed against animals. However, this commendable effort by the Harney County Sheriff's Department shows that assumption to be a fallacy. Regional animal welfare organizations like the Idaho Humane Society and Humane Society of Central Oregon are committed to ending the cruel exploitation of dogs and cats in these horrible pet breeding mills, and will assist rural law enforcement in shutting these cruel operations down.

The animals will be evaluated by veterinarians and transferred to the Idaho Humane Society in Boise for further evaluation and quarantine if necessary. Healthy animals will be placed for adoption. Those requiring medical care will be treated until ready for adoption.

You can help... Donations for animal rescue and care can be made by calling Christine Moore at (208)387-2760, online by clicking here, at any Zamzow's store or by mail to: Christine Moore, Idaho Humane Society, 4775 Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705.

 


Eastern Oregon Woman Charged With 20 Counts Of Animal Abuse
by Sharon Strauss

BOISE - About 200 dogs living in conditions authorities described as "deplorable" in Oregon will get a second chance at finding loving homes in the Treasure Valley. The first truckload of the rescued animals, also including cats and birds, arrived at the Idaho Humane Society in Boise on Wednesday afternoon after being removed from an Oregon residence. Investigators said the dozens of mistreated animals had been hoarded at the home of Dorothy Schatz, of Burns, Oregon.

How to help: Donations for animal rescue and care can be made by calling Christine Moore at (208)387-2760, online by clicking here, at any Zamzow's store or by mail to: Christine Moore, Idaho Humane Society, 4775 Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705.

"She had a large number of smaller breed dogs living in pretty deplorable conditions. The lady has since turned the dogs over to us," Humane Society spokeswoman Dee Fugit said. In the next few days the dogs will be checked by veterinarians, spayed or neutered, and then evaluated for their suitability for adoption.

Schatz was arrested on 20 counts of animal abuse. She was arraigned at the Harney County Courthouse and released from jail. Rescue stresses shelter - Idaho Humane Society staff and volunteers scrambled Wednesday to handle the sudden influx of rescued dogs from an Oregon residence.

But society spokeswoman Dee Fugit pointed out that the Idaho organization has faced similar challenges at least five or six times in her 18-year career with the Humane Society. "Last year we had a huge number of cats from Twin Falls we had to take care of," she said. "In 2003 we were called in to help with a large puppy mill, we got over 100 dogs from there in Oregon. We've had over 400 once before. So we've done this several times."

Nevertheless, it's a daunting task, and the organization has asked the community for help. About 60 full- and part-time employees were called in to help, as well as several volunteers, to deal with Wednesday's crisis. "We are right now preparing our building for the intake of these animals and that's not easy when you are talking about 150 or 200 animals," Fugit said. "Because of the fact that this is very draining on our staff and facility, if people are thinking of turning in their dogs, right now we would prefer if they could wait, unless it is a stray."

The shelter is in need of assistance to help cover the cost of caring for so many new additions. "We are always in need of donations, such as Zamzows food, blankets, bleach. We don't need a ton of dog crates, leashes or collars," Fugit said. "Truthfully, we need money more than anything because it takes money to take care of all these animals and all the medical work that needs to be done to all these animals."

The animals are being vaccinated and receiving other medical care. After a period of quarantine, healthy dogs will be available for adoption in valley homes. For adoption information, contact the Idaho Humane Society at 342-3508. You will be able to view available pets from the society's Web site by clicking here.

 


More Than 200 Dogs Seized From Oregon Puppy Mill
Wednesday, October 3, 2007 - by ktvb.com Staff

BOISE - More than 200 small dogs have been rescued from a home in rural Oregon - left in deplorable conditions, according to the Idaho Humane Society. The Humane Society says the animals were found by Harney County, Oregon on the property of Dorothy Schatz in Burns.

"Animal abusers may choose to live in eastern Oregon because rural law enforcement has few resources to devote to these times of crimes committed against animals," Idaho Humane Society executive director Dr. Jeff Rosenthal said. "However, this commendable effort by the Harney County Sheriff's Department shows that assumption to be a fallacy."

Rosenthal compared the situation to a similar puppy mill founder near Harper, Oregon in 2003. "(We) are committed to ending the cruel exploitation of dogs and cats in these horrible pet breeding mills," Rosenthal said. Veterinarians are on scene evaluating the animals and taking them to animal shelters in Boise and in Bend. Some of the animals are being quarantined. Humane Society Officials say the healthy animals will be put up for adoption.

The Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help socialize the dogs and clean cages as the animals arrive in Boise. Call Kim Neil at 331-8553 to help. The first truckload of dogs (around 140) is already bound for Boise and is expected to arrive around 4:30 p.m. Officials say it will take several days to round up all the dogs.

Schatz was arraigned this morning in Harney County and is being let out of jail on a conditional release. The Humane Society says Schatz has agreed to give up her dogs. They are also urging the public not to bring in any dogs at this time since they are overwhelmed by this situation.

 


State Agencies Join Together To Educate The Public On The Dangers Of Blue-Green Algae
Contact information: Dr. Greg Ledbetter - Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Boise - The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game wish to alert the public, especially ranchers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers of blue-green algae bloom. Blue-green algae blooms commonly are found in ponds, lakes and streams where water is warm and slow moving. They generally can be identified by the appearance of floating layers of scum resembling pea soup. When the algae bloom, they can naturally produce toxins which can be deadly when ingested. Pet and livestock owners should avoid allowing animals to swim or drink water if algae are visible.

Nine Montana cattle recently died within minutes of drinking lake water with blue-green algae "bloom". An eyewitness said the cattle died only a few feet from the water source. "In past years, Idaho has documented cases of blue-green algae bloom deaths, and with the current drought conditions experienced this year, some water supplies may be primed for toxic blooms," said Dr. Greg Ledbetter, state veterinarian for the ISDA.

"If pond scum is present I would recommend keeping pets out of the water and finding alternate water sources for livestock," Ledbetter said. Idaho Fish and Game cautions that hunters using dogs early in the bird seasons need to be careful about allowing their dogs to drink from algae-contaminated pools. In recent years, at least one hunting dog has died and others sickened after drinking from stagnant pools in the Hells Canyon area. Dogs are particularly susceptible to blue-green algae poisoning because the scum can attach to dogs' coats and be swallowed during self-cleaning.

Blue-green algae are expected to bloom until the first frost of fall.

 


Idaho Humane Society Seeks Information On Malad City Idaho Dog Fighting Case And Location Of Missing Pit Bull Terriers
For Immediate Release

BOISE, Idaho - (August 30, 2007) - During the evening of August 28, 2007, Oneida County Sheriffs Department served a search warrant at a location in Malad City, Idaho. According to the sheriff's department marijuana plants and drug paraphernalia were seized. Twenty six adult and four juvenile pit bull terriers were discovered on the premises and numerous items and evidence consistent with dog fighting were also discovered. Andrew Willard and Tiffany Willard were taken into custody for alleged felony drug manufacturing (plus an enhanced charge for the presence of children) and dog fighting. They are currently in custody at the Caribou County Jail. At that time the pit bull terriers were left on the premises under the guard of a sheriff's deputy.

Pocatello Animal Control and the Idaho Humane Society were then contacted and in a late-night consultation, a decision was made for both shelters to assist in the impoundment and on-site care of the dogs, which would subsequently be transported to the Idaho Humane Society's Boise shelter for safe-keeping. Both shelters began mobilizing staff and volunteers for the rescue and sheltering of the dogs.

According to the Oneida County Sheriff Department, which employs only 6 total deputies, the officer responsible for guarding the Willard property that night was dispatched to respond to a DUI call in the early morning hours. Another deputy was then dispatched to the property but discovered upon arrival that all thirty dogs had been removed from the premises. At this time the whereabouts of the missing dogs is unknown.

In a press conference at 10:00 am this morning, Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Semrad stated that although the agency initially intended to impound the dogs, subsequently it was determined that current Idaho state law does not actually provide for the impoundment of dogs in cases of dog fighting unless there is clear evidence that the particular dog in question has in fact been used for fighting. Sheriff Semrad expressed support for improvement of Idaho's animal fighting laws including felony level penalties for dog fighting.

The Idaho Humane Society urges anyone with information regarding this case, including any information regarding the location of the missing dogs, to contact the Oneida County Sheriff's Department, 208-766-2251."We are extremely concerned for the fate of these dogs and fear they have been stolen back into lives of extreme cruelty," said Jeff Rosenthal, DVM, Executive Director of the Idaho Humane Society who attended this morning's press conference. This case demonstrates the strong link between animal fighting and other criminal activity and its occurrence in Oneida County underscores why Idaho needs its lawmakers to make dog fighting, and the intentional breeding, training, selling or possession of dogs for the purpose of fighting punishable by a felony. Additionally, the law must provide for the seizure of fighting dogs and criminalize intentionally being a spectator at a dogfight. Rosenthal commended the Oneida Sheriff's Department for its work on this case.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals for animal fighting.

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest animal protection organization in the State of Idaho. The Idaho Humane Society shelters approximately 15,000 dogs, cats, horses and other animals each year.

 


$2500 Reward Offered In Meridian Horse Slaughter Case

Boise, Idaho (April 18, 2007) - Idaho Humane Society is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for intentionally shooting and mutilating a horse found in a Meridian pasture on April 13 or 14, 2007. The horse was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head and parts of its remains were spread all over the area. Other horses in the same pasture appeared to have been spread with motor oil on parts of their bodies. The location was near East 3rd and Carlton Streets in Meridian, Idaho.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crimestoppers at 343-2677 or the Meridian Police Department at 208/888-6678.

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest animal protection organization in the State of Idaho. The Idaho Humane Society offers rewards in animal cruelty cases in the state and works to prevent animal cruelty through education and investigation. For more information on reporting animal cruelty in the area, go to idahohumanesociety.org. and click on Animal Protection.

Individuals interested in making donations toward the Idaho Humane Society's Animal Abuse Fund should contact Christine Moore, Development Director at 208/387-2760.

 


Important Links

Detailed information about animal cruelty and neglect cases in Idaho and throughout the country can be found at www.pet-abuse.com.

More information about the strange syndrome of "animal hoarding" can be found at www.tufts.edu.

The Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS), introduced by Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Sam Farr (D-CA) in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) in the U.S. Senate, strengthens existing law covering commercial breeding facilities by amending the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). You can learn more it by clicking here.