Horse burned by chemicals
Des Moines, IA (US)Incident Date: Monday, May 17, 2004
County: Polk
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the attempted poisoning of a horse on or about May 16 in Little Sioux, Iowa.
On Monday, May 17, Scott Pape discovered that his horse, named Josie, had severe blisters on her muzzle, tongue and lips. Pape made the discovery while retrieving Josie from a field west of the Pape residence. After a veterinary examination, it was determined that someone either threw a chemical, possibly acid, in her face or tried to force it down her throat.
Josie is slowly recovering from the acid burns. Her throat and internal organs were not affected.
This is the second time Josie has been a victim of animal cruelty. In March, she was shot in her shoulder. Another animal, a donkey named Baby, was also shot and killed during that incident. Pape offered a reward and police have since charged a juvenile suspect in connection with the shootings.
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office took chemical samples in the area of the poisoning and is in the process of having the substance identified.
Sheriff Terry Baxter said he does not know if the two incidents are related and is investigating them as separate incidents.
The Harrison County Crime Stoppers and the Sheriff's office will also be adding to the established reward fund.
"Josie survived two awful acts of animal cruelty, but she should not have had to endure any of this pain and suffering," said Diane Webber, director of The HSUS Midwest Regional Office. "Anyone capable to inflicting intentional harm on an animal like this is a threat to the community. The connection between animal abuse and violence against humans is well documented."
In Iowa, livestock abuse constitutes an aggravated misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is imprisonment not to exceed two years and a fine of at least $500 but not to exceed $5,000.
The Harrison County Sheriff's Office is vigorously pursuing this case.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to please contact Sheriff Terry Baxter at 712-644-2244 or Harrison County Crime Stoppers at 800-247-0592. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Sheriff Terry Baxter
712-644-2244
Case UpdatesREWARD: $6000.00
The Humane Society of the United States and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals each contributed $2,500 to the reward. The local Crimestoppers organization also will pitch in up to $1,000 | | Update posted on Jun 14, 2004 - 7:19AM |
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