$5,000 Reward Offered For Information On Illegal Trap That Maimed Dog In Arkansas

A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting an unmarked steel leghold trap that left a dog severely injured in Hot Spring County, Arkansas. The injury was so extensive that her leg had to be amputated.

“The cruelty Willow endured is truly unimaginable,” said ALDF Criminal Justice Program Fellow Maggie Marshall. “We’re hopeful that this reward will encourage those with information to step forward, helping to prevent any other animal from experiencing the same suffering Willow went through.”  

On February 2nd, 2025, a black-and-white dog, later named Willow, was spotted wandering near Military Cutoff Road in Malvern with a steel trap clamped onto her leg. For nearly two weeks, authorities, rescue groups, and volunteers worked tirelessly to locate and safely capture her.

Willow was finally rescued on February 13th, but she was in critical condition—emaciated, weak, and suffering from a devastating leg injury. She was immediately transported to a local animal hospital, where veterinarians determined that her leg could not be saved.

Thankfully, she is now recovering in the care of dedicated volunteers who are working to find her a safe and loving home.

The person responsible remains unknown. Arkansas’ law requires traps and snares to be marked with identifying information, such as a trapper’s name or license number. This trap had no markings, making it illegal. The Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating and seeking the public’s help in identifying the person who set it.

Under Arkansas law, it is a crime to subject animals to cruel mistreatment. If found, the person responsible could face aggravated animal cruelty charges for causing unnecessary suffering to Willow.

“The Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the identity of the person or persons responsible for placing this trap along the east end of the Military Cutoff Road in early February 2025,” said Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Glen Pye. “The trap has no identification as required by law and was set in such a manner that a neighborhood dog was injured. The trap shattered the dog’s leg resulting in a vet bill of almost $1,000.” 

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hot Spring County Sheriff’s Office at (501) 337-7738. Tips can be submitted anonymously.