For Immediate Release

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483
Images: http://bit.ly/20Q4jjm

$2,500 REWARD OFFERED TO FIND SICK GRENADA DOG KILLER
Stricter Animal Protection Laws Urgently Needed

Grenada, MS (February 12, 2016) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi, has today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who maliciously killed a Grenada County family dog. The heinous crime took place near the Hwy 7 – Scenic Route 333 intersection north of the Grenada Dam, where the dog was discovered shot, bound with cord, stuffed into a bag and dumped on an abandoned “love seat.”

The grim scene was found last Saturday, February 6, by two local workers who went to check on a piece of furniture which was abandoned on the side of the road by a white truck. When they went to check, they found Rose’s body stuffed head-first into a white plastic bag that covered her to mid-body, wrapped with a slim white plastic cord, and dumped on the couch. Her body was miles from where she lived.

Rose slipped out of her home and disappeared on Saturday afternoon, after Grenada resident, Jessica Maness, went to aid a nearby business. Rose was last seen by Maness’ landlady, who lives next door. In Defense of Animals is now looking for witnesses to come forward with information about what happened next, in order to catch the perpetrators of this gruesome crime.

“This was a merciless attack on a gentle, family dog,” stated Doll Stanley, Director of In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign. “The person who committed this despicable killing could strike again at any time. In Defense of Animals is offering $2,500 to anyone with information that will help find and convict the person who committed this deplorable crime.”

“Rose was a very sweet dog,” said landlady and adjacent neighbor, Barbara Turner. “She was very well behaved and never seemed to dislike anyone.”

Tragically, if Rose’s killer, or killers, are found and convicted of causing her senseless death, they will only be charged with a misdemeanor, since she was “purchased” for less than $500. If her “value” had been greater than $500, the crime would then be classified as a felony as the destruction of property.

“Anyone’s dog can get loose, and it is chilling to think they could meet such a terrible end. Present laws are not enough to deter this kind of violence. Stronger ordinances are desperately needed to protect animals and their guardians,” said Stanley.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign is aligning with Mississippi judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement officials, legislators, animal advocates and concerned citizens to pass regional ordinances that will protect animals when state statutes fail. The organization has served in Mississippi for 24 years, aiding victims and law enforcement with hundreds of cruelty reports, including multiple wandering-animal killings.

Anyone with information related to this crime may contact In Defense of Animals anonymously at: (415) 448-0048 or the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department at: (662) 226-2721.

For more information, please visit www.idausa.org

NOTES:

Mississippi’s Criminal Property Damage – Malicious Mischief law, MS Code § 97-17-67 (2013) can be employed to prosecute a person for a felony who maliciously or mischievously destroys, disfigures, or injures a dog or causes one of these criminal acts if the dog was purchased for $500 or greater. If more than one dog is involved and the sum of their “value” is $1,000 or more, the crime can be prosecuted as a felony. The penalty for this crime is up to a $10,000 fine and or imprisonment for up to five years and restitution. Animal companions who are adopted or taken in as strays benefit from fewer protections under Mississippi law and crimes against them may only be prosecuted under § 97-41-16, the Mississippi Dog and Cat Pet Protection Law, which only allows for a single affidavit of cruelty even if there are more than one animal involved. The penalty is a maximum $2,500 fine and/or up to six months in jail and restitution.

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In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign is actively working with officials in communities, building a groundswell of support for establishing and amending city and county ordinances as part of its campaign to show state lawmakers that Mississippians will not tolerate animal cruelty.

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization located in San Rafael, Calif. dedicated to protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats through education, outreach, and our hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.