The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of an extremely emaciated dog found on the side of the road in the Fort Wayne, Indiana, area.
The Case: On March 21, a passing motorist found a dog on the side of the road near U.S. 27 South and Hessen Cassel Road. The driver transported the dog to an emergency veterinary hospital before the dog was eventually transported to Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control.
The dog is described as a black and gray female mixed breed and is estimated to be between 8 and 18 months old. She weighed 11.5 pounds at the time she was brought to the clinic. Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control staff believe she should have weighed between 30 and 40 pounds. She was unable to walk, leading investigators to believe she could not have traveled to this location on her own. She appeared to have been abandoned by someone. The dog was humanely euthanized per the recommendation of the veterinarian who examined her.
“No dog deserves to suffer in such a cruel way,” said Samantha Morton, Indiana state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “We are hopeful that offering this reward will lead to justice for this innocent being whose life was cut entirely too short.”
Animal Cruelty: The serious attention and engagement of law enforcement, prosecutors and residents in cases involving allegations of animal cruelty is an essential component of protecting the whole community. The connection between animal cruelty and violence toward people is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
The Investigators: The Allen County Sheriff’s Department’s Field Service officers are investigating this case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to call the Allen County Sheriff’s Department at 260-449-7491.
Resources: The Humane Society of the United States raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. We offer rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and work to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.