PETA Offers $1,000 Reward for Help in Nabbing Phoenix Puppy Torturer

Group Joins Phoenix Police Department in Effort to Bring Animal Abuser to Justice

For Immediate Release:
January 26, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Phoenix -- A small puppy, Andre, was discovered tied up inside a plastic bag and nearly dead of starvation in an empty lot northeast of 67th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road about two weeks ago. His eyes were gouged out, and apparently he had been used for target practice with a BB gun. "He must have been in so much pain. His eyes were hanging out of his head," says Susie Hopkins, Andre's foster caretaker. "He's been so neglected and abused." Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with Andre's torture. That's why PETA is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this violent crime.

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Phoenix residents have good reason to be concerned. According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, 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 Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151.

For more information, please visit PETA.org. To view PETA's anti-violence public service announcement featuring Inglourious Basterds star and Hostel director Eli Roth, please visit http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=eli_roth_violence_link_psa_peta.