PETA OFFER UP TO $5,000 TO CATCH ANIMAL ABUSERS IN LOGAN

Group Hope to Bring Person or Persons Responsible for Appalling Cruelty to Justice

For Immediate Release:
14 May 2015

Brisbane – A small Chihuahua named Lucky was violently beaten by burglars when they broke into his home in Daisy Hill last month. The owner of the home found the dog badly disfigured and with serious brain damage. Lucky was subsequently euthanized because of the seriousness of his injuries.

Springwood police believe the offenders broke into the Begonia Street home between 2:30 and 4:30 pm on 18 April, but no suspects have been identified. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrific act.

Because animals can’t report their own abuse and can do little to fight back, they’re the perfect “practice” victims for those who tend towards violence.

Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often go on to commit violent acts against fellow humans. As long as the perpetrator of this crime is at large, other animals – including humans – might also be in danger. History shows that serial rapists and murderers often have histories of past incidents involving cruelty to animals. Young killers Mary Bell, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables; John Travers, the ringleader of the gang that raped and killed Anita Cobby; and serial murderers Fred West, Dennis Nilsen, Ian Brady and Jeffrey Dahmer all started out by deliberately harming animals.

“Animal abusers are cowards”, says PETA Australia Director of Campaigns Jason Baker. “We’re appealing to anyone with information about those responsible for this cruel act to come forward now so that the perpetrator or perpetrators can be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Cruelty to animals carries a penalty of more than $225,000 or three years of imprisonment under the Animal Care and Protection Act, 2001. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For more information about cruelty to animals, please visit PETA.org.au.

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