The Suffolk County SPCA announced today that the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for tying a dog to a tree in Brentwood, NY, and setting fire to it has soared to $20,000.00.  The dog, a male pit bull, was found on Thursday July 12^th with second and third degree burns over 60% of his body; severe third degree burns of his face and ears; degloving wounds of his upper palate including the loss of canine and incisor teeth.  The dog also had puncture wounds of his neck and emergency veterinarians treating him detected an odor of gasoline on his hair.  Unfortunately, he succumbed to his wounds on Tuesday, July 17^th.

 

            Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA said that there has been an overwhelming response of calls from people who are "disgusted" that a human would treat an animal this way.  "Seasoned SPCA Officers and Veterinarians were brought to tears when they visited 'Maximus' and he tried to lick their hands, even though he was in grave condition," said Chief Gross.  This dog was in good condition and was well fed before this happened and someone is now missing a pet.  "Someone out there knows this dog or knows who is responsible for this heinous act and we want that person to come forward," Gross said.

 

            Chief Gross called this a "cowardly act" and said that people who abuse animals usually end up abusing people.

 

            Persons with information are asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-SPCA.  All calls will be kept confidential.