In Defense of Animals Announces Reward in Killing of Animals

Eleven Winona, Mississippi Dogs and Cats Shot and Poisoned

Winona, Mississippi – In the first week of 2010, nine dogs and one cat were poisoned, and one dog was shot, in a Winona, Mississippi neighborhood. The Mid-South Office of In Defense of Animals (IDA-Project Hope) is offering a $500 reward for Information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s). The neighborhood surrounds New Hope & Sawyer Roads.
Nine families reported the killing of their dogs. Dr. Jan Bailey, DVM examined several of the dogs, concluding that they had been poisoned.  Tissue samples have been sent to Mississippi State University to determine if the poisoning agent was anti-freeze. Anti-freeze is the most likely substance used in the poisonings as it is readily accessible, virtually untraceable unless items containing the chemical are left behind, and most easily excused as having leaked from a vehicle.

The Winona Police and Montgomery County Sherriff’s Departments are taking the case very seriously and are interviewing the families involved in the killings as well as anyone with any information.

Additionally, a Sawyer Road resident contacted IDA’s Project Hope on January 14 to report that he and a neighbor had their dogs poisoned three years ago.

Anyone with information that may help solve these crimes should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (662) 283-3343. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may contact Project Hope at (662) 809-4483.

“The person responsible for killing these animals could be a disgruntled neighbor who felt offended by the barking of a dog, a dog defecating in their yard, or someone who simply hates animals. This crime is usually the act of one perpetrator who rarely brags about or announces their crime. I just wish they could feel the pain of one of the family members who lost their dog. The emotional wound she sustained is life-long,” said IDA-Project Hope’s Director Doll Stanley.

Contact: Doll Stanley, (662) 809-4483
(contact information for the victims’ families available upon request.)