Reward Offered Into Shooting Of Starkville Family Pet

PRESS RELEASE

Starkville, MS (January 28, 2016) – In Defense of Animals, the international animal protection organization that operates Hope Animal Sanctuary in Grenada, Mississippi and Justice for Animals Coalition of Winona, Mississippi has today announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person suspected of maliciously shooting Ginger, a family dog who resided in Grand Oaks Subdivision in Oktibbeha County, by Starkville, Mississippi, last Saturday.

Starkville resident, Mr. Allen Robertson of 195 Akins Road, received a call from a law enforcement officer at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday night, January 23, with news that Ginger, the Robertson family dog, had been found critically wounded near the Robertson’s home, at 207 White Oak Lane. Mr. Robertson rushed his wounded dog to Mississippi State University’s veterinary services emergency clinic, where staff determined Ginger had been shot in the face with a shotgun. Three pellets had struck her beneath the eye, penetrating her brain. A second blast left thirty two pellets in the back of her head and across her back. Ginger was beyond recovery and had to be euthanized.

“Ginger was a really wonderful dog – she was so happy and everyone loved her. She played with all the kids. It’s devastating to lose her like this,” said Mr. Robertson.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Coalition Director Doll Stanley said, “It was heartbreaking to hear from Mr. Robertson as he sat in his truck, wracked by the loss of Ginger, and wondering how to tell his four children and granddaughter that their beloved dog would never be coming home again. We urgently need stronger laws to stop the devastating loss of animal companions through mindless violence.”

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Coalition is offering $2,500 to anyone with information that will help find and convict the person who committed this despicable act. “If you were in the Grand Oaks area on Saturday night and saw anything suspicious, please report it,” urged Stanley.

Witness testimony is critical in cases like these, as current Mississippi law allows animals to be killed if they are deemed “menacing.” Without witnesses, it is nearly impossible to dispute shooters’ claims.

In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Director Doll Stanley has worked with hundreds of Mississippians whose animal companions have been shot, poisoned and worse. She warns of wildly varying discrepancies in animal cruelty penalties depending on the “value” of the animal, since Mississippi law currently defines animal companions as “property.”

“Determining if a companion animal is legally “valuable enough” to be prosecuted as a felony is a degradation of the bond between animals and their guardians,” said Stanley. “It’s not just frustrating to someone whose beloved animal companion has been killed, it’s unfair. It is time for us to update our laws in Mississippi – all animals are worthy of equal protection.”

Anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who mortally wounded Ginger should call the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department at: (662) 323-2421.