Who Abused This Boxer Puppy?

is trying to find out who is responsible for a vicious case of animal abuse of a 5-month-old puppy in St. Petersburg.

The last attack on Beau, a boxer mix, left him with broken ribs and a broken jaw, officials said. His leg had been broken twice, the second time so badly that it had to be amputated.

"Our hearts break at the abuse this young animal has suffered in only 5 months of life," wrote Nora Hawkins, guest services and promotions director of the Largo-based organization, in an email to Patch. "Beau’s injuries were extensive and show a pattern of abuse. Miraculously Beau is alive and healing."

SPCA Tampa Bay took in the injured puppy in June, responding to a plea from a woman who had rescued Beau and got him life-saving medical care. An emergency clinic performed surgery on the puppy and provided medical assistance.

Since then, the SPCA has been obtaining evidence to help law enforcement build a case against whoever hurt the dog. The abuse happened somewhere near 46th Street North and 57th Avenue North in St. Petersburg, officials said.

SPCA Tampa Bay is offering a $500 reward to anyone who can provide assistance leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. If you have information, call the SPCA 24-hour animal abuse hotline at 727-586-3591, ext. 135.