Reward doubled in NW Wyoming summer thefts of Labrador dogs
by The Humane Society of the United States
January 3, 2008
A reward up to $2,500 The Humane Society of the United States offered in the late summer thefts of several dogs in Northwest Wyoming has doubled.
An anonymous donor has also offered a reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for taking about 10 dogs from yards and vehicles in Northwest Wyoming – primarily in Lincoln County – in August and early September.
The Case:
News reports and the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley give the following account: In August and early September, about 10 Labrador retrievers were taken from yards and vehicles throughout and surrounding Lincoln County. Three black Labrador retrievers and four yellow Labrador retrievers were taken from fenced yards. On Aug. 10, a 5-month-old Labrador retriever named Izzy was taken from a parked car while his Nebraska owners dined at a nearby restaurant. No other breeds were reported stolen during this time frame. Labrador retrievers, along with other herding breeds, are the most popular dog breeds in the county.
“Until the perpetrator of these crimes is apprehended, we are asking families, friends and neighbors in Northwest Wyoming to keep a close watch on their pets -- even when they are roaming within a fenced yard,” said Suzi Hansen, The HSUS’ Northern Rockies Regional Office's regional program coordinator. “And, if you see any suspicious activity, call the sheriff's office with your tip. What might seem like a minor tip to you, might just be the lead investigators need to catch the culprit, and it could earn you $5,000.”
Hansen said pet owners should verify their pets' identifying information is up to date by checking pet tags and taking new pet photographs. Micro-chipping is a good back-up form of identification and another tool to help reunite pets when they become separated from their families.
The Investigators:
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Anyone with information is urged to call Sheriff Shane Johnson at 307-877-3971.
Background:
Stolen pets can face any number of threats. Sometimes lost or stolen dogs are used by dogfighters as “bait” to train fighting dogs. At other times, dogs are taken and sold for biomedical research and testing.
Resources:
The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families.
The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit: www.humanesociety.org/cruelty
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