Support prosecution of pig killers!
Please read the story below and send correspondence (see sample letter below) to advocate prosecution of these heartless murderers!
The following is taken from the Friday, June 16th Edition of the Jefferson County Journal (V. 36 No. 71) (Front-page) (This is in Missouri)
REWARD OFFERED IN PIG'S DEATH -- Humane Society increases amount to $3,500
By Cathy Lenny (Staff Writer)
A $2,500 reward has been offered for information about the death of a pot-bellied pig near Windsor School. The Humane Society of the United States made the offer for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case. The reward is in addition to a $1,000 reward already being offered by the Jefferson County Humane Society.
On May 10, two pigs were turned loose inside Windsor High School. Officials found the animals the next morning.
Three pigs were taken to a party and given alcohol before they were taken to the school, authorities said. When one of the pigs refused to cooperate, it was clubbed to death with a crowbar. The carcass was found near the school in Kimmswick.
Ross Carmickle and Randall Budde, both 18, have been charged with burglary, second degree, and animal abuse for the two pigs that were released in the school.
The men have not been charged for killing the third pig, but officials are continuing their investigation. "We're hoping some of the kids (at the party) will come forward," said Jean Woolery, director of the Jefferson County Humane Society.
The animals had been adopted through a classified ad seeking a good home for them. The scheme was allegedly planned in retaliation against the school, since one of the youths had recently dropped out of school after being told that he did not have enough credits to graduate.
"Animal abuse rarely occurs in a vacuum," said Claire Ponder, who directs the HSUS' First Strike campaign against animal cruelty and human violence. "It is a clear signal that either a family member is already suffering from violence or a youth may someday turn aggressive and violent toward humans."
HOW TO HELP - If you know of information that can aid in this case you can contact the Jefferson County, MO Sheriff's Office at:
Sheriff Glenn Boyeror the Jefferson County Humane Society at:
(***SEE SAMPLE LETTER BELOW***)
June 16, 2000
Dear Sheriff Boyer:
As a concerned citizen and animal lover, I implore you to support the vigorous investigation and prosecution of Ross Carmickle and Randall Budde (or whomever is (are) determined to be the perpetrator(s)) for the vicious killing of a pot-bellied pig within your jurisdiction, as well as cruel treatment of two other unfortunate pigs.
As someone who is in a prime position to influence your county and state’s public and legislative attitudes towards animal welfare, I hope you will take the opportunity to pursue the murderer who has brutally taken the life of such an innocent and defenseless creature. We must not condone or tolerate such inhumanity and obvious lack of respect for life and the values of our society. It is my hope that you will energetically affirm that Missouri, and America, will not allow such atrocities to occur unpunished.
Thank you for your efforts and compassion.
Sincerely,
Home