Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), a District-based no-kill animal shelter, has announced that it is offering a $5,000 reward for information on those responsible for sexually abusing a three-month-old kitten, leading to his death, and another $10,000 for help to find the perpetrator of the same act on a puppy.
The two incidents have no connection. However, they both took place in DC within eight days.
An animal control officer with HRA found the kitten, which was critically-injured, near the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Northeast DC, after responding to a call on August 19. He was named Owen.
“Veterinarians at HRA examined Owen and determined his pelvis was broken in two places and found extensive injuries to the rectal area, indicating he had been sexually abused. Owen was so badly injured that he couldn’t walk, urinate or defecate on his own. It was clear he was in incredible pain, despite attempts to manage it,” HRA said.
Owen’s condition got worse and he developed life-threatening health issues, after which he received humane euthanasia.
On August 11, HRA responded to a call about a female puppy, named Luna, who was abandoned near Fort Dupont Park in Southeast DC. She was unable to stand and some of her injuries were consistent with sexual abuse.
Luna also had five broken vertebrae, two of which required surgical stabilization, two possible stab wounds on her chest, and a dislocated hip that may need surgery. In addition, she was likely strangled.
Veterinarians at Friendship Hospital for Animals helped Luna start slowly walking again as she is able to stand with the help of a sling.
HRA offered on August 24 an additional $5,000 reward for information that would lead to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for sexually abusing and abandoning Luna. With the existing $5,000 reward, the total amount offered is now $10,000.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious near the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens involving a kitten or anyone who noticed anything unusual near Fort Dupont Park on or before August 11 that could be related to an injured puppy is asked to call 202-723-5730.
“While we vigorously pursue the investigations, HRA is also focused on social conditions that may foment these heinous acts of cruelty. Unfortunately, we have a front row seat in all too many acts of violence as part of our ongoing work in the community,” said Lisa LaFontaine, CEO of the HRA in a press release.
“But these cases reflect our worst fears – the pandemic and related pressures and isolation could cause violence against animals, and people, to escalate. Domestic violence calls have mounted, while child abuse reporting has plummeted. I am deeply concerned that these acts of incomprehensible violence toward defenseless animals are symptomatic of growing stressors in society.”