ALDF Aids Hunt for Dog's Attacker

(Omaha, Neb.) ALDF has added $1,000 to a reward created to help authorities in Omaha capture the perpetrator of a vicious attack on a female pit bull. The ALDF contribution brings the reward, dubbed The Phoenix Fund by the Nebraska Humane Society, up to $6,000. The money will be given to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the conviction of the person or persons who slashed a pit bull so badly the animal had to euthanized.

"When we heard about this case, we were horrified. We knew we had to help in some way," says ALDF founder and general counsel Joyce Tischler. "It's vitally important that whoever did this be caught. We've seen time and time again that people who commit these kinds of brutal crimes against animals may also be victimizing humans."

At the moment, no one knows the identity of the pit bull or her owners. The dog was found wandering in northeast Omaha March 1 suffering from gaping wounds to the head and neck. The injuries seemed to have been inflicted by a knife or some other large blade. Due to the severity of the wounds, the dog had to be euthanized. An examination of her body found scars from bite wounds that may indicate the animal had been trained for dog fighting.

Anyone with information about the dog should contact Officer Jay Wilson at the Nebraska Humane Society, at (402) 444-7800. The Phoenix Fund will be divided amongst those whose tips lead to a conviction for the attack.

The dog in the case was christened "Phoenix" by Humane Society workers, who hoped to see something positive arise from the shocking incident.

"As sad as all this is, it has raised awareness about animal cruelty," says Nebraska Humane Society President Judy Varner. "We're pleased to see that a new bill has been put before the state legislature that would make this kind of despicable act a felony. Such a law would be a big help in the fight against animal abuse. The bill is awaiting its third reading. All indications are that it will pass."