PETA Offers Euro 1,000 Reward To Help Find Dog Killer And Sends Humane-Education Packs To Schools In Co. Kerry
Contact:
Martin Mallon +44 207 357 9229, ext 224; [email protected]
Co Kerry – Animal protection charity PETA have sent humane-education materials to schools in Co Kerry and is offering a EURO 1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the cruel killing of an 11-year old family dog named Dougal.
Dougal’s mutilated body was discovered by his guardian in the driveway of his family home. It is believed that Dougal, whom the family had rescued, was bludgeoned and stabbed to death before being disembowelled. PETA warns that communities should be deeply concerned when animal abusers are found in their midst as research in criminology and psychology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals usually continue if they are not caught – with many going on to harm humans.
The American Psychiatric Association identifies cruelty to animals as a diagnostic criterion for conduct disorders, and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation uses reports of crimes against animals in analysing the threat potential of suspected and known criminals. Child killers Mary Bell, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables as well as multiple murderers Ian Huntley, Thomas Hamilton (Dunblane massacre), Fred West, Dennis Nilsen, Ian Brady and Jeffrey Dahmer all started on their violent paths by deliberately harming animals.
“It is imperative that any community faced with such horrific animal abuse take measures to find the culprit or culprits and stop the violence”, says PETA’s education manager, Suzanne Barnard. “Putting a stop to violent tendencies as soon as they become apparent should be a priority and the responsibility of all of society. After all, the whole of society pays the price when these violent tendencies escalate.”
PETA’s educational materials are designed to help children of all ages recognise the importance of compassion and empathy for all beings. Copies of the school mailings are available upon request.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Frank Scanlon at the Dingle Garda Station on 066 915 1522. For more information about the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans or to order a free education pack, please visit PETAF.org.uk.