Reward offered in animal-abuse cases

CLINTON — A string of animal abuse cases has prompted police investigations and offers of rewards in an effort to locate those responsible.

Since September, when a Maltese poodle returned home with injuries consistent with having been badly beaten or being hit by a car, police have been responding to reports involving abuse against dogs and horses in the area, said Clinton police detective Justin Glommen.

The report on the poodle led to two more reports of abuse against dogs, including a golden retriever and a boxer who may have been slashed and kicked, respectively, Glommen said.

While investigating the dog-abuse cases, Clinton police were informed of an attack on a 2-year-old race horse that had been injured so badly it will not race again, Glommen said. Several other horse owners heard about that report and told police of similar attacks on their animals.

The attacks have prompted the Humane Society of Utah to offer a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of any responsible parties, though police do not believe the dog and horse incidents are related.

"We don't even know if the dog incidents are related, but we're looking for individuals with information about the animals or about the circumstances," Glommen said. "If anyone would come forward, we would welcome it."

Police have no suspects in the animal abuse cases, but the detective warned that crimes against companion animals can result in third-degree felony charges.

— Emiley Morgan