$2,500 Reward Offered for Help in Nabbing Potential Dogfighters

PETA Searches for Leads After Injured Dog Is Left to Die at Intersection

For Immediate Release:
May 19, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

St. Petersburg, Fla. –

Last Monday, a severely injured dog was left for dead near the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street S. and 15^th Avenue S. in St. Petersburg. The dog—now named Rogue—was found covered with bloody scratches, punctures, and bite wounds, which law enforcement officials believe are the result of dogfighting. Although he’s now recovering in the care of his rescuer, Rogue will likely need surgery and other veterinary care for his many injuries. Police have yet to make any arrests in the case, and that’s why PETA is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this violent crime.

“Dogs used for fighting are routinely beaten, mutilated, and left for dead if they’re not ‘profitable,’” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is urging anyone with information about suspected dogfighting in the Tampa Bay area to come forward immediately and help spare other dogs a similar fate.”

Because dogfighters are known to snatch dogs left unattended in yards, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—urges guardians to keep dogs insidoors when they’re not being walked on a secure, comfortable harness and leash.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7550 or 727-893-7780 using the case number 2015-024294.

For more information about the link between animal abuse and violence aimed at people, please visit PETA.org.