The following was released July 26, 2010:
PRESS RELEASE FROM CITY OF MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Milford Police Department filed charges regarding the break in at the Humane Society on April 12th, 2010. After three and one half month investigation, the following individuals were charged:
Patrick Scott Lahr age 19 from Arnolds Park, IA with Burglary in the Third Degree a Class D Felony.
Spenser Earl Taylor Age 20 from Milford, IA with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree an Aggravated Misdemeanor.
Zachary David Koepp Age 20 from Milford, IA with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree an Aggravated Misdemeanor.
One of the dogs was recovered and unfortunately the second dog was shot by a person in protection of his family. No charges will be filed against that person.
It should be noted that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST IOWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JULY 26, 2010
The board of directors of the humane society is very pleased to learn that charges have been filed against three individuals in the break-in at the shelter on April 12, 2010. We understand that arrests have been made. Still unresolved apparently is the question of who shot and killed “Harley” an Australian Shepherd. Our attorney is working with the Dickinson County attorney’s office to gain information about that matter.
In response to questions from the public about why the shelter did not have a security system in place prior to the break-in shelter director Kate Whitrock advised, “There are many things the shelter would like to have, but money must be allocated first to the care of the animals entrusted to us. Except for our impound contracts, our income comes from donations and fundraisers and in the present economy donations and grants are more difficult to come by. We had not anticipated much threat of break-in at the shelter as we have no cash on hand or other valuable assets. Fortunately we have received donations now that enable us to purchase and install a video surveillance system.”
The following was released June 29, 2010:
PRESS RELEASE
FROM: THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF NORTHWEST IOWA, INC.
TO: LOCAL MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC
DATE: JUNE 28, 2010
RE: APRIL 11-12 BREAK IN AT THE SHELTER, THEFT OF TWO DOGS AND KILLING OF ONE
The Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Northwest Iowa met on June 28, 2010, for its regular monthly board meeting. Present was attorney Larry Stoller to advise the board on the on-going investigation of the break-in at the shelter on the evening of April 11, 2010, theft of two dogs and the killing of one of those dogs. The other dog was recovered after several weeks by members of the staff.
Attorney Stoller volunteered his legal services to assist the board and staff in determining the appropriate legal actions to be taken against the perpetrators. Attorney Stoller was authorized to make the following statement on behalf of the board:
" The Humane Society is grateful to the county attorney's office and members of law enforcement who are diligently pursuing the perpetrators of this crime and who expect to make arrests shortly. We are also grateful to all the volunteers who have helped look for the dogs and provided valuable information to the Humane Society and law enforcement. We want to make it clear that this was a crime against the shelter and two very loving animals. This was not a publicity stunt to raise money for the shelter and
that horrible rumor should be put to rest.
While our attorney believes that sufficient evidence exists to file civil suit against the perpetrators for the loss of a loving and kind animal and for physical damage to the shelter of about $5,000 he has advised us to allow law enforcement to finish its investigation and commence its prosecution without interference. We accept this advice and want everyone to know that this matter never has and never will be forgotten until those responsible are held accountable for their actions. The people, and particularly the children of our area need to know that when bad people do bad things they will be punished.
Anyone having information about this matter may contact Milford law enforcement, the Humane Society or Larry Stoller."