FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sharon Stone, sharon@idausa.org, (662) 466-0906

Images: http://bit.ly/sidonya

$2,500 Reward Offered to Find Cold-Hearted Person Who Dumped Dog on Valentine’s Weekend in Sidon

Stricter Animal Protection Laws Urgently Needed

Sidon, MS (February 17, 2016) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi, and Justice for Animals Campaign of Winona, Mississippi, has today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who heartlessly abandoned a dog at a boat landing in freezing temperatures in Sidon, Mississippi.

The lone female dog was discovered last Friday night, February 12, by a Leflore County resident. This terrified dog was confined in a wire crate and dumped at a boat landing in Sidon, MS, where she was exposed to bitterly cold temperatures that dropped below freezing at the remote and isolated location.

Hope Animal Sanctuary of Grenada acted quickly, with support from locals, to recover the dog, and arranged for Leflore County Humane Society to take her in, via society board member Susan Burrell. The cold, traumatized dog was taken to the center in Greenwood to warm-up, eat and be comforted. She has since been named Sidonya by staff. Sidonya is fearful after her terrible experience, but is receiving daily care and attention. It is hoped she will eventually be ready for adoption to someone who will show her proper care and attention.

“It was an especially cold-hearted act to dump this dog in freezing weather, just days before Valentine’s. Sidonya could easily have died,” said Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager Sharon Stone. “We thank local residents and animal organizations that pulled together to rescue her.”

“Someone in this small town knows who dumped this dog. We are offering $2,500 to anyone with information that can help convict the person who callously abandoned Sidonya,” commented Doll Stanley, Director of In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign.

“This rescue is a prime example of Mississippians stepping forward to help animals in times of need. We must harness this compassion and cooperation to establish strong animal protection laws that deter people from committing cruel acts.”

In Defense of Animals’ Hope Animal Sanctuary has served in Grenada, Mississippi for over 20 years, aiding victims and law enforcement with hundreds of cruelty cases. That history laid the foundation for In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Campaign, which works with judges, prosecuting attorneys, law enforcement officials, legislators, animal advocates and concerned citizens to pass relevant and just laws to protect the animals of Mississippi.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest and conviction of the cold-hearted person who confined and abandoned this dog should contact Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager Sharon Stone: (662) 466-0906.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Coalition 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.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048