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PRESS RELEASE
RELEASE DATE: Immediately (April 13, 2006)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Gene Baierschmidt

HUMANE SOCIETY OFFERS $2,500 REWARD IN KILLING OF PET COW

The Humane Society of Utah learned today of the July 2005 stabbing and bludgeoning of a family’s pet cow, and reacted with outrage to the senseless act of brutality against a defenseless domestic animal. "Even though the incident occurred nine months ago, we’re still hoping for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of whoever committed this despicable deed," said HSU Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt. "This is exactly why Utah needs to fall in line with the rest of the country and get a felony provision in its animal-cruelty laws. There are too many people out there who think that torturing and killing an animal is no worse than some shoplifting, and that may be understandable, because in this state they get the same penalty for either offense - a slap on the wrist."

The cow, a 2400-pound male belonging to the Mike Seville family in South Jordan, 254-7136, was a family pet. He was named "Dawg" because he acted just like a dog, according to sources investigating the case, who said that the animal would come when he was called, play with the children, and show great affection to his human companions. When Dawg was found stabbed nine times and beaten to death with a blunt instrument, the family was devastated.

Another local animal group has offered a $1,000 reward in the case, and the Humane Society has added another $2,500 to that figure. Anyone with information is asked to call 261-2919, ex. 210. The reward money will be paid if that information leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.