Story Published:
Oct 31, 2007 at 4:25 PM CST
Story Updated:
Oct 31, 2007 at 4:25 PM CST
The Humane Society of the United States renewed its reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of Tammy and William Hanson, convicted two years ago on 20 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals in Arkansas.
The
Baxter
County
(
Ark.
) Sheriff's Office seized almost 500 dogs from what the Hansons purported was an
animal sanctuary in
Gamaliel
,
Ark.
named Every Dog Needs a Home (EDNAH). The couple failed to appear for
sentencing and warrants were issued for their arrest.
“We’ve
received and followed up on dozens of leads for the couple and are hopeful this
renewed attention will bring fresh information of their whereabouts,” remarked
Sheriff John Montgomery. Both Tammy and William Hanson are listed on the Baxter
County Sheriff's Most Wanted list (to view: http://baxtercountysheriff.com/most_wanted.php
).
It is
believed the couple may be living outside
Arkansas
.
The HSUS notes that, had the
Arkansas
penalties been commensurate with those in other states, it would have empowered
law enforcement authorities to pursue the Hansons elsewhere.
Background:
The
couple operated the facility Every Dog Needs a Home. In October 2005, the
Baxter County Sheriff's Department raided the facility and found 477 neglected
dogs kept in unhealthy and inhumane conditions on the two-acre property.
The
facility lacked proper shelter for the animals resulting in filth, overcrowding
and fighting. Many of the animals were injured and at least five had died. The
Humane Society of the
United States
and United Animal Nations responded and provided care for the dogs as the
criminal case against the Hansons advanced. These groups also found homes or
appropriate shelter for the dogs, including more than 100 pit bulls rescued from
hurricane-stricken areas of
Louisiana
who were placed at the facility by an animal rescue group not associated with
The HSUS' rescue efforts in
Louisiana
.
In
Arkansas
, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor with penalties including $1,000 in fines and
up to 1 year in jail per count. The Hansons face 20 misdemeanor counts.
Animal
Cruelty/Human Violence Connection:
The
connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The
HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities
about this connection while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement
agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The
HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to
strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit
humanesociety.org/firststrike.
The
Investigators:
If you
have any information on the whereabouts of Tammy or William Hanson, please
contact the Baxter County Sheriff's Department at (870) 424-4636, (870) 425-7000
or by e-mail to: sheriff@baxtercountysheriff.com.
The
HSUS Contacts:
Desiree
Bender, (501) 951-6867, dbender@humanesociety.org
Kathy
Covey, (503) 621-8031, kcovey@humanesociety.org
The
Humane Society of the
United States
is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10
million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS
has been fighting for the protection
of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
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PAST REPORTS FROM 2005 AND 2006
