For Immediate Release:
April 7, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Warsaw, Ind. -- Today, PETA sent an urgent plea to Kosciusko County Prosecutor R. Steven Hearn calling on his office to vigorously prosecute former county K9-unit officer Craig Bale of Oswego. Bale faces charges stemming from authorities' reported December discovery of an emaciated dog, Zorra, at his home. Photos of Zorra were described as showing a dog who was "barely alive." A veterinarian has reportedly disputed claims made by Bale that the emaciated dog suffered from worms. News sources state that a severely malnourished dog, Aries, remains in Bale's custody. Bale is scheduled to appear in front of a judge concerning these charges on April 26.
"Bale appears to be either unable or unwilling to provide even the most basic care to animals," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "Too often, people who are convicted of crimes against animals walk out of court with a slap on the wrist. We urge Mr. Hearn to appropriately prosecute the defendant and, if he is convicted, to seek a sentence that bars him from owning animals in the future."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA's letter to Kosciusko County Prosecutor R. Steven Hearn follows.
April 7, 2011
The Honorable R. Steven Hearn
Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office
Dear Mr. Hearn:
PETA is the world's largest animal rights organization, with more than 2 million members and supporters dedicated to animal protection. This letter concerns a recent case of cruelty to animals that your office is handling involving former Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department K9 Officer Craig Bale. Bale faces charges stemming from authorities' reported December discovery of an emaciated dog named Zorra, described in news reports as "barely alive," in his custody. Allegedly, Bale claimed that Zorra was suffering from worms, but veterinarian reports indicated otherwise. Alarmingly, additional dogs remain in Bale's custody, including a severely malnourished dog named Aries, of whom a disturbing photograph has been published in recent media coverage.
On behalf of our thousands of members and supporters in Indiana, we respectfully urge your office to take every necessary measure to secure the well-being of Bale's remaining dogs. Given his alleged pattern of neglect, we ask that Bale, if convicted, be barred from possessing animals for as long as possible (a common sentencing provision).
Thank you for your diligence in this matter and for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristin Simon
Senior Cruelty Caseworker
Cruelty Investigations Department