“$5k reward in suspected dogfighting case in NE DC”

via google maps

From the Humane Rescue Alliance:

“The Humane Rescue Alliance is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for abandoning a critically injured dog in northeast Washington, D.C. Our investigators believe the dog was a victim of organized dogfighting.

On the afternoon of Monday, March 29, HRA received a report of a loose, injured dog who was walking along a tree line on the 3500 block of Jay St. NE.

When our animal control officer arrived on scene, he found a young, female dog with extensive injuries consistent with organized dogfighting, including wounds to her chest, neck, shoulders, forelimbs and face. We named her Gilly.

The officer also observed a plastic dog crate with a large hole chewed out of its side, indicating Gilly had chewed her way through the crate she was left to die in to escape.

When she arrived at HRA’s medical center, Gilly’s temperature was abnormally low. Veterinarians determined that her wounds were consistent with organized dogfighting; some were as fresh as one week old, and there was older scarring as well. Gilly is recovering in HRA’s care and her prognosis is good.

HRA’s Humane Law Enforcement team has launched an investigation and are looking for anyone who may have noticed anything unusual in the area where Gilly was found on or before March 29, anyone who recognizes Gilly, and information about the person or persons responsible for her injuries. If you know anything, please call 202-723-5730.

“Gilly suffered excruciating pain, likely over a period of time, and it’s doubly horrifying to think this was all for someone’s entertainment,” said Lisa LaFontaine, CEO and President of the Humane Rescue Alliance. “Combating animal fighting is a job we take very seriously, and stopping this barbaric activity requires the vigilance and voice of our entire community. We’re hopeful this reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward so we can seek justice for Gilly and end the needless suffering of other dogs who may be involved in this operation now, or in the future if it is allowed to continue.

Donations to help with Gilly’s care and rehabilitation, and that of other animals with critical medical needs, can be made to HRA by visiting here.”