News

November 21, 2007

Rewards increase for info on dog killers

Total in Wyoming County incident climbs to $3,600 and $4,300 in Lackawanna County.

By Ed Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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Donations have doubled for the two rewards being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing of five dogs in Wyoming and Lackawanna counties.

Three dead dogs – an adult and two puppies – were found in Marsh Creek near Tunkhannock on Nov. 13. The dogs were skinned and mutilated with their noses removed.

Two dogs were found near Carbondale last week.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has added $1,000 to the Humane Society of Wyoming County’s reward of $2,600, bringing the total to $3,600. Mary Smotryski, of the Wyoming County group, said nearly $2,100 has been received from the public; the society is offering $500.

The total reward in Lackawanna County has reached $4,300. In Defense of Animals, based in San Rafael, Calif., has offered $2,500, adding to the Humane Society of Lackawanna County’s reward of $1,800.

State police at Dunmore said two dogs found along Dundaff Road in Fell Township, Lackawanna County, were skinned.

In each case, the dogs were so badly mutilated, it remains unknown what type of breeds they were, police said.

Several kittens were also found dead in Lackawanna County around Halloween.

Police have not yet determined if the two cases involving dogs are related, adding that the conditions of the dogs were similar.

“When people report animal cruelty, they help the police and the local humane society protect animals and people from intensified violence,” said IDA President Elliot M. Katz in a press release. “My experience with cases like this tells me that there is a lot more going on than what we are seeing.”

PETA believes other animals in the area, “including humans,” may be in danger as long as those responsible for the mutilations remain free.

“Animal abusers are cowards,” PETA manager Martin Mersereau said. “They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them.”

Mersereau said statistics from health professionals and law enforcement suggest perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often connected to violence against humans.

Officer Tina Walters of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County is investigating both cases.

Anyone with information about how the dogs died is asked to contact Walters at 585-0510.

Edward Lewis, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7196.

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