FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

$2,000 Reward Offered to Find Arkansas Dog Massacre Killer
Highlights Urgent Need for Stricter Animal Protection Laws

Marshall, AR (December 22, 2015) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi has announced a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who massacred 57 dogs and injured others in Searcy County, Arkansas. The heinous crime took place off of Hwy 254 in the Chimes-Trace Ridge Area south of Marshall, AR, where the dogs were reportedly shot and poisoned.

The grim scene was discovered last Thursday by foresters who entered the remote wooded area on business. Some dogs survived the slaughter and are being cared for by the Searcy County Humane Society, which is assisting with the case. The search for survivors continues.

“This was a merciless attack on trusting and loving dogs. Someone knows who did this. We urge people with any information that could be linked to come forward.” said Doll Stanley, In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Coalition Director.

“The perpetrators of this hideous crime are unlikely to stop at animals – they are a danger to the very fabric of society. It is vital that we put strong laws in place to protect animals and deter criminals from moving on to other victims.”

Following talks with the Justice for Animals Coalition and Winona Animal Advocacy Group last week, Winona MS voted unanimously to strengthen its animal protection law, sending a clear warning to would-be animal abusers.

Anyone with information related to this crime may contact In Defense of Animals anonymously at (415) 448-0048 or contact Sheriff Joey Pruitt at the Searcy County Sheriff’s Office at (870) 448-2340.

For more information, please visit www.idausa.org

### ENDS ###

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Coalition is actively working with officials in communities, to 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 habitat 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