$5,000 reward for info on bait dog
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward for information about an injured pit bull believed to be a victim of dogfighting and found in York City last week.
A reward of up to $5,000 is part of the Humane Society’s initiative to end dogfighting, cockfighting and puppy mill abuse.
Rewards will be given to those who provide information that leads to an arrest and conviction in relation to any case, said Sarah Speed, Pennsylvania director of the Humane Society of the United States.
But local officials are hoping someone will step forward with information about Honey, a 2- to 3-year-old pit bull.
Found: Honey was found by animal control officers late Friday night and turned over to the York County SPCA Saturday morning.
She has since undergone surgery at Animal Emergency and Referral Center of York in Spring Garden Township to close a 2-inch wound on her face that left part of her jaw bone exposed.
Honey also had injuries to her head, face and legs and previous wounds indicate she was used in dogfighting.
She is expected to fully recover.
The dog was doing “OK” Thursday afternoon, said Zella Anderson, founder and director of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance.
“She got to go outside and was playing,” Anderson said.
Reward: Melissa Smith, executive director of the York County SPCA, said she hopes the reward will entice people to step forward with information about Honey’s abusers.
“Hopefully that gets some tips,” Smith said. “We’re waiting for people to start calling.”
Tipsters can remain anonymous and can call the Humane Society, the local SPCA or York City Police.
Often people prefer to give tips to organizations that work with animals rather than to law enforcement agencies, Speed said.
“We are here in case people are afraid to talk to law enforcement directly,” she said.
Anderson said if those responsible for Honey’s injuries are caught, it could deter others from taking part in dogfights. It is a felony in Pennsylvania to have any part in dogfights, she said.
“If they were prosecuted, it would send a message,” she said.
Disease: when Honey was found, CPAA solicited the public to provide funds to cover her surgery costs. the needed $6,5000 has been raised, Anderson said.
But the good news has been met with bad.
Tests determined Honey has Babesia, a common infection in dogs used for dogfighting, and she will have to be treated, Anderson said.
“It’s fatal if not treated,” she said.
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Leave a tip:
anyone with information about Honey’s abusers or dogfighting in general can call the Humane Society of the United States at 1-877-TIPS-HSUS, the York County SPCA at 764-6109, ext. 127, or York City Police at 846-1234.
- Reach Greg Gross at ggross@yorkdispatch.com.
