National animal advocacy organization seeks information leading to arrest and conviction in apparent killing of two family dogs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individual or individuals responsible for the killing and mutilation of two rottweilers whose bodies were discovered partially submerged in the North Platte River near Torrington, Wyoming. The case is under investigation by the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information may contact tips@animalwellnessaction.org.
According to family members and media reports, the dogs disappeared after getting loose from their property on May 29 and were later found dead near a popular fishing area along the North Platte River. Family members reported that one dog was found with much of its head missing, while the other suffered severe injuries to its neck and chest. They also reported that both dogs’ collars were missing when the bodies were recovered. Authorities have not released information regarding the cause of death and have declined to discuss evidence while the investigation remains ongoing.
“This is a deeply disturbing case involving the apparent mutilation of two family dogs,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “Whether these dogs were killed out of malice, recklessness, or some other motive, the public deserves answers and those responsible must be held accountable. We hope this reward encourages anyone with information to come forward.”
Animal Wellness Action is asking anyone with information about the deaths of Django and Hera, including observations of suspicious activity in the area where the dogs were found, to contact the group or the Goshen County Sheriff’s Office.
Wyoming law provides limited circumstances under which a dog may be lawfully killed, including when livestock are under threat. However, authorities have not indicated that livestock were involved in this case, and family members have disputed suggestions that the dogs posed any threat to animals.
The reward will be paid for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the unlawful killing of the dogs.
Animal Wellness Action and sister organization the Center for a Humane Economy recently paid a $15,000 reward for information that aided prosecutors in the case against Cody Roberts for his torment of a wolf, after he chased and ran over the adolescent female with his snowmobile. Roberts pleaded guilty to a charge of felony animal cruelty.