Reward Reaches $7,500 For Cruel Use Of Zip Tie On Dog

BROOKSVILLE, FL — PETA has added a reward of $2,500 to Hernando County Crime Stoppers' $5,000 reward for a total of $7,500 for information leading to the arrest of the person who cruelly tightened a zip tie around a dog's neck.

According to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, a resident reported seeing the blond and brown pit bull–cur mix roaming the 16000 block of Blair Avenue on Jan. 8. After a long search, officers were able to find him and remove the zip tie the next day. The zip tie was wound so tightly around his neck, it caused the dog's head to swell twice its normal size, and was difficult to remove because it cut so deeply into his neck.

The dog, now named Bugsy, is believed to be about 3 years old. Despite his mistreatment, he is reportedly a happy, loving dog, and will be available for adoption once he recovers from his injuries.

Police are investigating this incident, and PETA is asking residents to help spread the word by posting the free downloadable posters (available here) in businesses and schools, on bulletin boards, and anywhere else that they’re allowed to display them in the hope that someone will recognize this dog and see that Bugsy's abuser is charged with cruelty to animals and is prohibited from ever owning another dog.

To provide information and claim the reward, contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-8477 or through the free mobile app download P3 Tips (**TIPS **8477).