We are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Bucky Award for Excellence!
For the past 12 years, Pasado’s Safe Haven has presented this annual award to recognize outstanding achievement in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against animals. This special recognition is part of our ongoing effort to help train and support law enforcement, animal control and prosecutors in their work on behalf of animals.
12TH ANNUAL BUCKY AWARD WINNERS
Animal Control Officer Alishia Hornburg and Prosecutor Brad Meagher, Lewis County, WA
THE CASE: The offender was charged with two counts of First Degree Animal Cruelty and four counts of Second Degree Animal Cruelty after numerous horses were found suffering on their property. The horses, including three separate herds, were forced to fight for the minimal food that was provided and walk through deep, thick mud to reach it. They were visibly sick and sadly eight deceased foals were found on the property. Animal Control Officer Hornburg’s quick action included obtaining a search warrant, taking photos and videos on the property, arranging for the horses to be removed and placed in rescue, and obtaining a second warrant to remove a dog found on the premises that was tied up without shelter or access to water. The diligent work on this case by Animal Control Officer Hornburg and Prosecutor Meagher ensured the offender received a lifetime ban on owning, caring for, or residing with any animal and completing 60 days in jail.
Second Place
Animal Control Officer Kristi Boucher and Prosecutor MJ Osman – King County, WA
The Case: The offender was charged with one count of First Degree Animal Cruelty for violently stabbing his ex-partner’s cat. During a domestic violence dispute, the offender’s ex-partner walked in on him attacking her cat and there was fur and blood found all over the apartment, along with a bloody knife. The offender took off with the cat and claimed he had dumped her on the side of the road, but sadly she was never located. Officers gathered evidence on-scene and Animal Control Officer Boucher contacted Pasado’s Safe Haven to get the knife evaluated for DNA evidence at UC Davis. The joint efforts between patrol officers, animal control, and UC Davis ensured the offender was convicted of First Degree Animal Cruelty and Domestic Violence, served jail time, and received a lifetime ban on owning animals.
Exceptional Effort Award
Prosecutor Jestin Peckinpaugh – Snohomish County, WA
The Case: The offender was charged with First Degree Animal Cruelty after two horses were found severely neglected. The horses, a mother and foal, were extremely emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from a widespread bacterial infection. They had been left without adequate access to food and water for so long that the mother allowed her baby to continue nursing for 2+ years. Numerous officers attempted to contact the offender and work with him to provide for his horses, but ultimately, due to their dire condition, the horses were seized and given care. The mare was sadly in such poor condition that she was humanely euthanized. Because of Prosecuting Attorney Peckinpaugh’s work on this case, the offender was convicted and sentenced to jail time, and received a lifetime ban from owning, caring for, or residing with animals.
Each year, we investigate and support hundreds of cases of animal abuse – cases that otherwise may not have been pursued. And with your support, we are providing critical tools to law enforcement, veterinarians and prosecutors. Thank you for making this possible. You can donate to support this critical work here.
