We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Bucky Award for Excellence!

For the past 13 years, we have presented this annual award to recognize the extraordinary work of individuals in the criminal justice system who have championed the rights and welfare of animals. This special recognition is part of our ongoing efforts to help train and support law enforcement, animal control, and prosecutors in their work on behalf of animals.

13TH ANNUAL BUCKY AWARD WINNERS

Assistant Attorney General Scott Halloran and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Officer Stephanie Tank

THE CASE (WARNING – Sensitive Content): The offender was charged with 2 counts of animal cruelty and 1 count of malicious mischief for injuring and killing animals, particularly wildlife, and publicly displaying them. Numerous remains were found on the offender’s property, along with guns and other objects that had been used to hurt or kill animals. Horrifically, many dead animals, including crows, songbirds and squirrels, were found nailed to surfaces. The offender went on to kill animals at public parks, and he shot a kitten in the head seriously injuring him. The diligent and ongoing work on this case by Officer Stephanie Tank and AAG Scott Halloran ensured the offender was charged and received a lifetime ban on owning animals, $9,174 in restitution for injuring a kitten, a $1,000 fine, and enrollment in an animal cruelty prevention course.

This year’s winners receive grants totaling $5,000 to further animal cruelty investigation and prosecution-related training, equipment or tools. We would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work by our second place winners, Federal Way Police Department Animal Control Officer Dayna Larson and Municipal Court Prosecutor Russell Atkatsh.