$4K Offered In Case Of Dead Puppy Found In Backpack In Woods On Long Island: SPCA

MILLER PLACE, NY — A backpack containing the severely emaciated carcass of a dead puppy was found in a backpack in a wooded area in Miller Place in November, the Suffolk Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said Tuesday.

The carcass, which belonged to either a French or English bulldog, estimated to be between six months and one year old, was found in the backpack just off of Miller Place-Yaphank Road, north of Whiskey Road, the agency said.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation, which was taking part in a canvass of the woods during a homicide investigation, notified the agency of the discovery on Nov. 14, Chief Roy Gross said.

It is not clear whether the puppy was dead or alive when it was placed inside the backpack, but it was not there very long at the time it was found because it was not decayed.

He said it was unnatural for an animal to be so emaciated, and that should the person responsible be found, it is likely that felony charges of animal cruelty will be brought.

"I am sure somebody knows something," he added.

Detectives are actively canvassing the area where the dead puppy was found for witnesses or information related to the crime, he added.

The SPCA is offering a $4,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons "responsible for this heinous act of animal cruelty," Gross said.

The reward is made up of $3,000 from the SPCA and $1,000 raised by the Humane Society of New York, according to Gross.

Terrible, heinous acts of cruelty will not be tolerated," he said. "We feel so badly about this that we are offering the reward.

Anyone with information, can contact the SPCA at 631-382-7722.

All tips will be kept confidential, Gross said.