Unknown

Who killed a German shepherd found shot in the head and hung from a tree

Bend, Oregon

April 12, 2000

 Donner, a 7-year-old German Shepard, was shot in the head and suspended from a juniper tree in his front year around 6 am on April 12. A $15,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of who ever killed this wonderful dog.

The killing of this dog is thought to be retaliation against the dog's owner, Kimball Lewis, who has pursued a number of animal abuse and neglect cases for the state of Oregon. Kimball Lewis headed the Eugene Humane Society for over 3 years before coming to Bend, Oregon in June 1999 to run the Humane Society of Central Oregon.

Animal Cruelty statutes in Oregon can be punishable by up to five years in prison or up to $100,000 in fines.

Animal Welfare Officers are faced with threats every day because they choose to help protect these animals. When someone knows where these officers live, it becomes more of a threat to them, their families and their pets. Too purposely kill this mans pet is especially cruel and vindictive.

 Lewis has since resigned his position at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, partly due to the stress of loosing his dog, which he had raised since a pup. At one point Lewis was asked to talk a polygraph test, believing he might have something to do with the murder of his own dog. He has since been cleared and the case remains open.

A memorial fund in Donner's name has been set up to help the animal abuse investigation division continue its work and now even more whole heartedly. Donations can be made to the Humane Society of Central Oregon at 61170 SE 27th St., Bend, OR 97702.

Anyone who has information regarding this case should contact The Humane Society of Central Oregon at 503-285-7722 x214

Reference

APBNews

The Associated Press

Channel 6000 KOIN TV