The Bucky Award for Excellence

Pasado’s Safe Haven offers this annual award to raise awareness about crimes against animals and to recognize the officers and prosecutors who do exceptional work on these difficult cases.

Bucky the dog

Bucky the dog was brutally killed in 2010. Thanks to the officers and prosecutors working on this case, the perpetrator was charged and served jail time. In memory of Bucky, this special recognition is part of our ongoing effort to help train, support and acknowledge law enforcement and prosecutors.

First place is presented annually in the community where the winners are located to the “team” (the responding officer and the prosecutor) who most successfully investigates and prosecutes an animal cruelty case. Funds are raised by Pasado’s Safe Haven and our supporters. The award money ($5,000) is split between winning departments and is used for further animal cruelty investigation and prosecution related training, equipment or tools.

Law Enforcement Training

We conduct trainings and workshops throughout the year for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and other members of the community working to improve the response to crimes against animals.

If you are a member of law enforcement and would like more information, contact us at cruelty@pasadosafehaven.org.

12th Annual Bucky Award Winners

First Place

Animal Control Officer Alisha 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 six deceased foals were found on the property. Two more deceased foals were found in the barn. 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

Police Officer Quackenbush, 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

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.

Prior Bucky Award Winners

2022: Mason County Detective Chris Liles and Prosecutor Tyler Bickerton

2020: Skagit County Animal Control Officer Emily Diaz and Prosecutor Nathan Block

2019: Thurston County Joint Animal Services Officer Officer Erika Johnson and Prosecutor Megan Winder

2018: Thurston County Joint Animal Services Officer Erika Johnson & Thurston County Prosecutor Brandi Archer

2017: Thurston County Joint Animal Services Officer Erika Johnson & Thurston County Prosecuting Attorneys Office Deputy Prosecutor Jim Powers

2016: Wenatchee Valley Animal Control Sergeant Sandra Larsen & Chelan County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Van Winkle

2015 & 2014: Whatcom Humane Society & Prosecutor Eric Richey

2013: Marysville Police Officers Dave Vasconi, Brad Smith & Prosecutor Jennifer Millett

2012: Port Orchard Police Sergeant Jason Glantz & Prosecutor Barbara Dennis

2011: Granite Falls Police Chief Dennis Taylor

2010: Snohomish County Deputy Michael Vafeados & Prosecutor Paul Stern