$1,000 Reward Offered In Dog-Fighting Death Of Yonkers Puppy

YONKERS, N.Y. – State authorities are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual who left a severely injured puppy abandoned in Yonkers.

The New York State Humane Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the individual responsible for abandoning a severally injured puppy, likely used in a dog fighting ring, in Yonkers last week.
Photo Credit: *SPCA of Westchester HLE Division*

by Matt Bultman

04/02/2013 3:00 p.m.

The New York State Humane Society announced the reward Tuesday, five days after the 9-month-old pit bull was found on a walkway between Somersville Road and Edwards Place.

The male dog suffered from multiple ailments, including canine bite wounds to the face and abrasions around his face, muzzle and head, said Ernest Lungaro, director of the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division. The dog was also malnourished and emaciated, he said.

It later had to be euthanized by an area veterinarian due to the extent of the injuries.

Based upon the wounds and the discovery of older scars from previous attacks, it is likely the puppy was used as a “bait dog” in a dog-fighting ring, authorities said.

The term “bait dog” usually refers to puppies, weaker or older dogs used to train other dogs to fight. They are often rendered defenseless by having their teeth removed or being tethered, officials said.

Anyone with information on puppy is asked to call the SPCA's confidential animal cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.

“The perpetrator of this crime must be brought to justice,” the NYS Humane Society said in a statement.

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