Information sought about those who left dead, brutalized puppy in garbage can in Muncie, Indiana

SACRAMENTO, CA (January 9, 2007) – United Animal Nations (UAN) today offered a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the brutal death of a female pit bull puppy that was likely used as bait to train other dogs to fight. Judging by the severity of the wounds found all over her body, she is believed to have died from her injuries.

The puppy’s lifeless body was found on January 3 inside a garbage can that had been dumped behind a business near

in Muncie. Authorities estimate the dog was between nine months to two years of age. The dog is not believed to have been an actual fighting dog; instead, she was most likely restrained and muzzled, completely unable to defend herself while other dogs attacked her. Local authorities say they have seen a recent increase in cases related to dog fighting, coinciding with increased drug and gang activity in the Muncie area.

“By issuing this reward, we hope to call attention to the cruel and needless practice of illegal dog fighting,” said UAN President and CEO Nicole Forsyth. “The public needs to work together to stop this vicious and so-called sport from gaining a foothold in their neighborhoods, not just for the sake of the victimized animals, but also for the safety of the whole community.”

Anyone with information in this case should call the
MuncieCrime Stoppers at (765) 286-4050.

Dog fighting is a contest in which two dogs are placed in a pit to fight each other for the spectators’ gambling and entertainment. The fight ends when one of the dogs is no longer willing or able to continue. The dogs often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion or infection hours or even days after the fight. Owners sometimes train their dogs to fight with non-aggressive “bait dogs” or other animals such as cats and rabbits. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states; it is punishable as a felony in Indiana.

UAN is offering this reward through its Zig Zag Memorial Reward Fund , designed to encourage witnesses to come forward with information about animal cruelty crimes and to advocate the need for harsher punishments in such cases. Research now shows that people who abuse animals are more likely to be violent toward humans.

The Zig Zag Memorial Reward is named for a Los Angeles dog who was burned, beaten and tortured for hours before dying, and whose assailants were apprehended but received scant punishment.

Now celebrating its 20th year, United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America ’s leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals.

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