Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the abandonment of two dogs in Knoxville, TN.
The Case: According to the Knoxville Police Department and Young-Williams Animal Center, on May 5, 2025, YWAC Animal Services Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of 809 E. Emerald Avenue, where two female, juvenile terrier mix-breed dogs had been abandoned. One of the dogs was dead, with a bag tied over her head. The other dog was alive and did not have any visible injuries.
Animal Cruelty: Securing the serious attention and engagement of law enforcement officials, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the whole community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
“Why someone would leave two defenseless, young dogs alone in a parking lot—one with a plastic bag double knotted around their head—is truly unimaginable. This inexcusable cruelty must be met with justice,” says Jessica Hyder, Tennessee state director for Humane World for Animals. “We’re grateful to the Knoxville Police Department and Young Williams-Animal Center for its diligence in fully investigating this crime, and we hope the reward leads to the capture of those responsible for this appalling act.”
The Investigators: The Knoxville Police Department and Young-Williams Animal Center are investigating this case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the Young-Williams Animal Center dispatch number, 865-407-2229 or (anonymously) the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers number, 865-215-7165.
Resources: Humane World for Animals’ Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. We offer rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and work to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.
