A local business man has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who left a malnourished, flea infested dog tied to a wooden anchor Aug. 2 on Haywood Road.
Jim Smith Sr., owner of Jim's Gun Shop on Bay Street, said Friday he is offering $250 for the information.
"I said I'd offer the reward -- I want the (person) caught," Smith said. "I happen to be a dog lover; I own dogs myself.
"I just want it done as a public service."
The dog was found near Johnny's Selected Seeds early in the morning, Winslow police Detective Gina Henderson said. Had it been left in the heat for the entire day, it would have died, she said.
"I just went and saw the dog today," Henderson said Friday afternoon. "I've never seen a dog in such a mess. She has lost most of the hair on her body. Her skin is red and infected from the fleas, her feet are swollen and her pads are raw."
Fairfield animal control officer David Huff took the dog to Humane Society -- Waterville Area, but the animal was in such poor shape that the Humane Society sent it to the Garland Road Small Animal Hospital in Winslow.
"We thought she would have to be put down," Henderson said. "The dog is doing better; she's going to live, but it's going to take a long time.
Meanwhile, the detective said, another possible reward offer has been received.
"Another person, from the coast who wants to remain anonymous, called and said he would be willing to put money up for information leading to an arrest," she said.
Henderson and Winslow police Officer Patrick Bond are investigating the case and intend to press criminal charges.
Henderson said the dog is of mixed breed and is about 2 years old. The dog is recuperating at the Humane Society shelter in Waterville.
Veterinarian Karen Russell said the biggest concern will be treating the dog's severe skin infection as it slowly gains weight back.
Anyone with information about the dog is asked to call the Winslow Police Department at 872-5215. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
Back to Top References« ME State Animal Cruelty Map
|
