03/11/2004
Dogs Found Skinned, Tortured

It's a case of extreme cruelty to animals. Someone killed and skinned three dogs and left them near a Sioux Falls intersection.

Investigators think the dogs were Shetland Sheepdogs, the kind of miniature collie many people keep as pets.



Investigators don't know who the dogs belonged to, who killed them, or why.

Unfortunately, many animals at the Sioux Falls Humane Society have been abused or neglected. But this case can only be called torture.

Humane officer Rose Quinn says, "I've never had a case like this. It's gruesome."

Animal control officers found three dogs, skinned, with their front paws cut off at an intersection in northwest Sioux Falls. And investigators say whoever did it wasn't an amateur.

Quinn says, "It looked very...flawless. No cuts or anything. It was very well done."

People who live near where the dogs were found say they can't believe what happened.

Neighbor Amy Lechner says, "I think that's sick anybody would do that any dog."

Investigators are also wondering why.

Quinn says, "Why would they even do it in the first place? So it's real importnat we get some information, some leads, anything to help us figure out what happened."

Quinn says people shouldn't panic, but should keep a close eye on their pets because she doesn't know if the dead dogs were stolen.

Lechner says, "My dog's not staying outside or anything if I'm not home or overnight, It's going in."

And while investigators search for answers, they do so with a sense of urgency...because someone who would hurt an animal is more likely to harm a human.

Quinn says, "Domestic violence is very much linked to animal cruelty. So we need some answers. Whoever did this is still out there somewhere."

The dogs' bodies have been sent to Brookings for more examination.

If you know anything about the dead dogs, you're asked to call Crimestoppers at 367-7007. Your name can be kept confidential and there is a reward for informatiion about the case.

Jodi Schwan
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