A horrifying act of animal cruelty has sparked outrage in Knoxville, Tennessee, where one dog was found dead with a plastic bag tied over her head and another left abandoned and neglected. Humane World for Animals is now offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
On May 5, 2025, officers from Young-Williams Animal Center were dispatched to a parking lot at 809 E. Emerald Avenue. There, they discovered two young female terrier mix dogs that had been abandoned. One of the dogs was already dead, with a plastic bag tied tightly over her head. The other dog was found alive, without visible injuries, but clearly neglected and left in a dangerous situation.
Authorities are treating this as a serious case of animal cruelty. Investigators from the Knoxville Police Department and Young-Williams Animal Center are urging anyone with information to come forward. The use of a plastic bag to suffocate a young dog is an act of deliberate cruelty, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Animal cruelty is not an isolated issue, it is often a warning sign of broader violence. Numerous studies have shown strong links between cruelty to animals and crimes like assault, domestic abuse, firearms violations, and drug-related offenses. Bringing perpetrators of animal abuse to justice helps protect not only animals but also communities.
“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,” said 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 investigation is ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Young-Williams Animal Center dispatch line at (865) 407-2229 or East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at (865) 215-7165.
