Group Wants to Find Those Responsible for Mass Killing of Animals in Cruel Fireworks Attack
For Immediate Release:
January 3, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Beebe, Ark. -- On New Year's Eve, hundreds of red-winged blackbirds were reportedly killed after fireworks were deliberately set off below their roost in the darkness, sending the panicked birds into flight. PETA is now offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for these animals' deaths.
"Not only does this attack explicitly violate Arkansas' anti-cruelty laws, it also violates federal law because red-winged blackbirds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "Beebe residents and law enforcement should take the threat represented by this callous behavior very seriously."
PETA believes that other animals in the area might be in danger as long as those responsible for this crime are at large. According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals—including humans.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact PETA at 757-622-7382 immediately.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
