Santa Rosa, FL…In Defense of Animals (IDA) is offering a $1000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting and dumping 33 dogs in Santa Rosa, FL.

On Wednesday, April 16, 2000, residents living near Indian Ford Road found 33 dead dogs, at least five of whom had been shot in the head. The other dogs were so badly decomposed that it was impossible to immediately determine the cause of death. One dog was found wearing a rabies tag, but due to improper record keeping by the veterinary clinic that issued the tag, investigators were unable to trace the origins of the dog.

"It is just despicable that people could be so callous and uncaring as to just dump these dogs, some of whom were obviously once members of people’s families," said Gretchen Hersman, IDA’s Midwest Field Representative. "We really need the public’s help to solve this heinous act of cruelty, otherwise who knows how far the violence could escalate."

"With the overwhelming evidence that cruelty to animals is a precursor to cruelty to humans, there is no telling far the person or persons responsible for this blatant act of violence is willing to go," said Hersman. "We must find the person or persons responsible and punish them to the fullest extent of the law."

Because some of the dogs are believed to be "hunting" dogs, a local hunters organization is also offering a $500 reward. Of the other dogs that were identifiable, five are believed to be Chihuahuas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sarah Hopson at Santa Rosa County Animal Services, (850) 983-4682, or Gretchen Hersman at IDA, (319) 643-2175.