Dogs found shot in Lincoln County

Over a period of 5 weeks, the Lincoln County Animal Control office has had reports of at least seven dogs that have been found shot and killed in Libby and one in the Troy area.

These seven dogs include a black labrador found on April 27, a small white dog found on April 22, a pit bull mix next to an older basset hound found on April 14 south of Libby, an Australian Shepard date unknown, a female boxer found on April 11 and a rottweiler mix found on March 25. All but one of these dogs had a gunshot wound. At least three of the animals were found chained and shot.

Only the owner of the Australian Shepard has made ownership claim. This type of inhumane, abusive behavior is not new to the area. Last spring and summer a large number of dogs, as well as cats were missing from owners.

The very recent torture and death of a dog in Eureka, has sparked great concern across the state as well as nationwide. This concern is now reaching out to the dog abuse cases listed above in Libby and Troy.

Phyllis Ruana, president of The Montana Animal Care Association (MACA), is concerned not only for the animals in this county but also the residents.

“It is proven fact that there is a large correlation between animal abusers and human abusers,” Ruana stated in a press release.

What this means is, if anyone finds someone who’s anger and violence is unleashed on defenseless animals, there is a very good chance there is abuse in the home as well. This is serious business. The person or person’s responsible for the death of these animals could be a neighbor, a co-worker, a classmate.

“We are here to support your local officials and help to bring this person or person’s to justice”, Ruana said.

It will be necessary for all residents to participate by keeping their own dogs safe.

Do not leave them in the back of trucks unattended. Do not let them run loose unattended and do not put ads in newspapers giving animals away. Have pets micro-chipped for identification purposes and have a recent photo of a pet handy. Information is knowledge, MACA asks that parents discuss this issue with their children. Ask the children if they have heard any talk pertaining to people missing their dogs, or the possibility of someone bragging about seeing or being a part of these recent events. Help be a crime stopper.

There is never a justifiable reason for animal abuse. If someone can’t care for a pet any longer, call a local animal shelter or humane society. If they can’t be of assistance, there are rescue groups all over the state that can. The shelter can help locate them. If unable to afford to completely pay for an animal to be spayed or neutered contact a local shelter or The Montana Animal Care Association at (406) 370-6668 or www.montanaanimalcareassociation.org. Barn cats need to be altered as well.

If missing a pet or if anyone believes they know of a pet that has gone missing please contact Sarah Caswell, Lincoln County Animal Control Enforcement Officer at 293-4040 or the Sheriff’s Department at 293-4112.

The Montana Animal Care Association is offering a reward to the person with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or person’s responsible for these crimes. Contact the local authorities above or Phyllis at 370-6668. Callers may remain anonymous.

~ Contributed by Phyllis Ruana, president of the Montana Animal Care Association (MACA)