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PETA Warns of Potential Escalation in Violence, Adds $5,000 to Reward to Help Track Dog Torturer, Find Dog Victim


Studies Show Son of Sam, Serial Killers, School Shooters Began With Animal Torture, Says Group

For Immediate Release:
December 12, 2007

Contact:
Kristin DeJournett 757-622-7382

Philadelphia - Bill Whiting's beagle mix, Edna, went missing on Halloween night. After Whiting posted reward fliers, two youngsters reportedly called him and demanded money for what they said was the dog's safety and made the dog yelp and howl in pain as Whiting was forced to listen. Later, the boys called Whiting back and told him that his dog was dead. Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with Edna's apparent theft and torture. That is why PETA is offering as much as $5,000, in addition to $5,000 offered by the SPCA, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this apparent violent crime.

Will you please consider sharing this information with your audience? It may be the only way to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.

PETA believes that other animals in the area--and even human residents--may be in danger as long as those responsible for this crime are at large and is urging residents not to leave animals outside unattended.

PETA warns that such acts should never be dismissed as "childish pranks." Criminal profile studies show that many people who are violent toward animals in their youth grow up to commit violent crimes against humans. Robert Ressler, founder of the FBI's Behavioral Sciences Unit, has described serial killers and other psychopathic torturers of people as "the kids who never learned it's wrong to poke out a puppy's eyes."

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Casework Division Manager Martin Mersereau. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Philadelphia residents have reason to be concerned. According to leading mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals, including humans."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department at 215-686-1776.

For more information, please visit HelpingAnimals.com. To view PETA's anti-violence public service announcement featuring Sopranos star Edie Falco, please visit PETATV.com.