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.
----
PAST REPORTS FROM 2005 AND 2006

• Humane society offers reward for vanished couple

  Tammy and William Hanson didn't show up for sentencing last week on 20 misdemeanor convictions of animal cruelty.

• Former owners of dog shelter fail to show up for sentencing

  Tammy and William Hanson are convicted of animal cruelty in Baxter County, Ark., and face other charges in Missouri.

• Judge finds dog shelter owners guilty of animal cruelty

  Tammy and William Hanson were keeping nearly 500 dogs on their property near Gamaliel, Ark.

• Custody of rescued dogs heads to court

  The fate of more than 450 dogs hangs in the balance. It has now been five days since Arkansas authorities discovered those dogs and arrested the people who said they were taking care of them.

• National group helps care for rescued dogs

  Volunteers are trying to keep the dogs healthy and comfortable until they can be moved.

• Rescued dogs are caught in legal maneuverings

  Law officers and volunteers are waiting for the okay to try to reunite about 450 dogs with their families or move them to another shelter. The dogs are in a rescue facility in northern Arkansas that sheriff’s deputies raided last Friday.

• Owners of dog sanctuary face cruelty charges

  Hundreds of dogs are caged or running loose at a sanctuary in Baxter County, Ark. Many of them ended up there after their owners fled from Hurricane Katrina.