DEBORAH M. MARKO Staff Writer
The Daily Journal
By DEBORAH M. MARKO Staff Writer
dmarko@thedailyjournal.com
VINELAND -- The SPCA is asking for public assistance to find those responsible for the abuse and slaying of a German shepherd found Wednesday.
The dog's muzzle and front paws were bound by silver duct tape. Its stomach was slashed before the dog was discarded along the shoulder of Gould Avenue between Route 553 and Faison Lane in a desolate area of Fairfield Township.
"This is just pure torture," said Bev Greco, the Cumberland County shelter's executive director.
Just after 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals got an anonymous tip alerting investigators to an apparent roadside dumping of a dead dog.
Someone had purposely duct-taped the muzzle of the adult male dog, making it difficult for him to breathe properly, Greco said. The animal's front paws also were bound with duct tape.
The binding "took away all the dog's defenses," she said.
The fatal wound appeared to be a slash across the animal's belly, which cruelty agents described as "a gutting."
Because of the absence of blood at the scene, agents believe the dog was killed elsewhere and dumped along the road.
The black-and-tan shepherd was not wearing a collar when it was found. There was a nylon slip leash around the dog's neck.
The SPCA plans to scan the dog's body to see if it had an identifying microchip, which is becoming a common practice for purebreeds, Greco said. Those results were not available Wednesday evening.
Shelter staffers were also going through pet reports to see if anyone had reported the shepherd missing.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone with information regarding a slain German shepherd found Wednesday along Gould Avenue in Fairfield Township is asked to call the SPCA at (856) 691-1500. You can remain anonymous by leaving a message on the cruelty hotline.
http://www.thedailyjournal.com/apps/...704200309/1002
VINELAND -- People incensed by the torture and slaying of a German shepherd have chipped in to help the SPCA post a $2,860 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
By Thursday afternoon, six people had offered the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reward money.
"People are outraged," said Bev Greco, SPCA's executive director.
Acting on an anonymous tip, cruelty investigators found the dog Wednesday dumped roadside in Fairfield Township. Its muzzle and front paws were bound by silver duct tape. The stomach had been slashed in a manner cruelty investigators described as "a gutting."
A preliminary examination of the animal revealed the dog did not carry an identifying microchip, which would have helped the SPCA trace its owner. That exam also revealed, "that half the dog's tongue was missing and its rectum was cut out," Greco said.
"When I found that out, I've had chills ever since," she said. "I didn't know people could be that evil."
A complete report on the dog's death had not been completed as of Thursday afternoon.
Greco noted this is a particularly heinous crime and some people have been upset about the printing of SPCA's crime scene photographs. One appeared in Thursday's edition of The Daily Journal.
"I have always, across the board, whether it's euthanasia or animal cruelty, been open and honest," Greco said, explaining the shelter's decision to release the pictures. "If people don't see it, it's unimaginable for the normal person."
The photos prompt people to "understand and do something," Greco said. "It is revolting and I see it every day."
Greco said the photos might prompt people to share information about the crime.
"It may be what it takes to get this person off the streets," she said. "This person is dangerous."
The SPCA is asking for the public's assistance to solve this case.
"We need information, maybe someone had a dog and doesn't anymore," she said "Did someone see the dog dumped?"
The shelter has not received any reports about a missing dog that match the dead animal.
Sometimes those who commit such crimes tend to talk about them, Greco said. She urged anyone with information to contact the shelter.
Today, Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew has another legislative meeting to push forward his bill to update the animal cruelty laws calling for more stringent enforcement and stiffer penalties for those convicted.
The bill has been mired in disagreements between national and state agencies.
"What we are doing right now is trying to hash through considerable minor points," Van Drew said.
"This bill is getting a lot of national attention, it could be a role model for the country," he said, noting the national and state agencies involved in animal care issue have complicated consideration of the bill.
"They all have their own level of advocacy," he said.
"This is one of my most frustrating experiences," Van Drew said. "Animal cruelty is a cancer and needs to be cured -- this bill can do that."
It's just getting all those involved to support it, he said, urging the public to send letters of support to legislators.
The bill is edging forward toward a vote.
"It's getting closer," Van Drew said. "You have my word that I will never give up.
Update: The CCSPCA had a walk a thon this weekend and raised $8,000 for reward.
This is so sick!
They even cut half of his tongue and private area.
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/11285/NJ/US/RSS/