Reward increased in ‘brutal dog torture’ incident
“In the wake of a horrific incident this past weekend in which a dog had been dragged behind a car and tortured in Clewiston,” Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers and the Gulf Coast Humane Society officials are teaming up to increase the reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.
A female dog was brought to the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Lee County just after noon Saturday, after being found in a wooded area in the Montura neighborhood of Clewiston.
“There were black encircling lines around her muzzle and neck, as though a ligature had been placed to keep her muzzle closed and then wrapped around her neck to aid in dragging her behind a vehicle,” a release from Crimestoppers states. “The female pit bill mix had extreme injuries to all four paws, lacerations on her rear legs and other related injuries. The extent of the injuries was severe, with multiple bone fractures, shredded front paws and a ripped underbelly. Due to the traumatic injuries, veterinarians determined the most humane course of action was to euthanize the dog. Members of the Gulf Coast Humane Society staff stayed alongside the dog, who they named Aaliyah, until she finally passed at 1:32 p.m.”
Since Saturday, concerned and outraged citizens have donated just over $1,600 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for Aaliyah’s injuries and subsequent passing. In addition, a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered from the Stop Illegal Dog Fighting Gofundme account, and up to $1,000 is being offered by Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.
“What happened to Aaliyah is nothing short of heartbreaking, tragic and horrific,” said Trish Routte, coordinator, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers in the statement. “Only a truly sick individual would torture an animal in that kind of fashion, and we hope that someone who knows who is responsible will do the right thing and come forward so that the perpetrator(s) can be brought to justice and face the full extent of the law.”
The incident is being investigated by Clewiston Animal Control. Investigators are also searching for the puppies that Aaliyah had just weaned.
Anyone with information on the individuals involved with the incident involving Aaliyah or any other animal is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for cash rewards of up to $6,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD. Anyone wishing to donate to the increased reward fund can do so through the Gofundme website, www.gofundme.com/lmf15c More than $25,000 has been raised through the Gofundme account since it was started in February, in the aftermath of the torture of Sunset, who had been critically injured as a result of being used as a bait dog. After months of rehabilitation, Sunset is healed and was recently placed in a safe family home.
Source: Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers