April 24, 2015
Reward offered for information on dead puppies
A $6,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for the deaths of two German shepherd-mix puppies that were found in a crate along the side of Dresserville Road in Sempronius on April 7.
The Humane Society of the United States put up $5,000 for the award, and the New York State Humane Association is offering an additional $1,000.
The puppies, estimated to be between 12 to 15 weeks old, were found dead in an animal carrier also containing a red bowl, a blue striped sweatshirt and bloody feces, according to Country Acres Pet Services and Animal Shelter Manager Lindsay Andersen. Animal control officers were notified by a passerby who saw the carrier on the side of the road.
The puppies were found in an emaciated condition and were suspected of having the parvo virus, which causes excessive vomiting and diarrhea that, left untreated, can lead to dehydration and death. Andersen said it is unclear exactly when the puppies died because there was snow below the carrier when the puppies were discovered.
The deaths are being investigated by the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York in conjunction with Country Acres Animal Shelter and the Cayuga County animal cruelty investigator. The puppies were sent to Cornell University to undergo a necropsy, but the findings are still pending as of this morning.
“We’ve touched base with Cornell with the hope to speed the process a bit,” Anderson said. She said that the results are expected soon, but there is no estimated date for the release of the necropsy report.
The probe is ongoing, and investigators have yet to receive any information leading to a positive identification of the responsible party. The person responsible for the puppies’ deaths may face charges of failure to provide veterinary care and proper sustenance.
According to the HSUS, there is a correlation between animal cruelty and other crimes, including narcotics, sexual assault and firearms violations.
“Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community,” the HSUS said in a news release.
Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the HSUS, said that the manner in which the puppies died shows blatant abuse and disregard for the animals.
“We sincerely hope this reward helps uncover the perpetrator or perpetrators of this unnecessary cruelty,” Shapiro said.
HSUS rewards are normally $2,500. A donation from a HSUS board member doubled the reward in this case because of the horrific circmstances, Shapiro said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Humane Law Enforcement at315-294-0397, or email the shelter at info@countryacresanimalshelter.org.
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