The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the killing and dismemberment of five horses
Two horses in a large unfenced pasture
Since May, at least five horses have been stolen from their pastures in the Houston and Pearland area and killed.
© 2013 by Cuatrok 77 New window.
The horses’ remains were found in a cluster of locations along South Beltway 8 near Pearland, Texas. Anonymous donors have pledged an additional $20,000, bringing the total reward fund to $25,000.
The Case: According to the Pearland Police Department, since May, at least five horses have been stolen from their pastures in the Houston and Pearland area and killed. The horses were found dead with ropes around their necks and all horses’ backstraps and front and back hindquarters had been butchered and removed.
Four of the five cases were reported from Hooper Road and all five horses were discovered dead and dismembered by their owners in or near the pastures where the horses were living.
Animal Cruelty: Securing the serious attention and engagement of law enforcement, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the whole community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented.
Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
“The cruelty these horses endured, and the subsequent dismemberment of their bodies is incredibly disturbing,” said Lauren Loney, the Texas state director of the Humane Society of the United States. “We hope our reward will help ensure the person or persons responsible for such horrific cruelty will be found and brought to justice.”
The Investigators: Pearland Police Department, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Department are working together to investigate the case.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Pearland Police Department at 281-997-4202 or email a detective at JPage@PearlandTx.Gov. Houston Crime Stoppers is also taking tips regarding animal cruelty at 713-222-8477.
Resources: The Humane Society of the United States raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families.
We offer rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.
The Humane Society of the United States doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from a board member.
Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year.
The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues. More at humanesociety.org.
Subscribe to Kitty Block’s blog, A Humane World. Follow the HSUS Media Relations department on Twitter. Read the award-winning All Animals magazine. Listen to the Humane Voices Podcast.
Press release by Kirsten Peek