In Defense of Animals Sets Up “Horse Protection Fund”

Organization Offers $2500 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest and Conviction of Person(s) Responsible for Killing Horses, Encourages Concerned Citizens to Help Bring Killer to Justice

Pinedale, Ariz.—After receiving calls from concerned citizens, international animal protection organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) is offering a reward of $2,500 for any information which results in the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing six wild horses. IDA is also setting up a “Horse Protection Fund” to which individuals can contribute to in the hope of compelling any individuals with information relating to the horses’ deaths to come forward.

On New Year’s Eve, Pinedale resident Janine Shockey discovered a grisly scene: two wild horses lay dead after being shot in the head. A neighboring resident found a third horse who met the same fate. Three additional horses have been discovered dead from gunshots in the last week, including a pregnant mare and a yearling. Two of the horses were reportedly beheaded.

IDA encourages anyone who has information about the crime to immediately contact Zeke Austin, Special Investigator with the Arizona Department of Agriculture, at 800-294-0305. Individuals interested in contributing to the Horse Protection Fund can call IDA at 415-388-9641, send pledges to IDA, 3010 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901, or donate online at www.idausa.org.

“Anyone who cares about horses and has the resources is encouraged to add to the fund,” says Elliot M. Katz, DVM, President of IDA. “The person or persons responsible for this sadistic, callous crime must be brought to justice. The killing must stop.”

IDA wants people to know that the individual who committed the savage killings is not only a threat to animals, but people as well. F.B.I. and Department of Justice studies have proven a connection between animal abuse and – later in life – domestic violence, child abuse and serial killings. “The person who committed this crime is filled with anger and hate. They won’t stop until they’re caught,” adds Katz. “These beautiful gentle creatures are not a threat to anyone.”

For more information about In Defense of Animals, visit www.idausa.org.