$10,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest of Dog Attacker in Indiana

Justice, an American pit bull terrier, was horribly burnt and left to wander the streets. The Shelbyville Animal Shelter and IndyVet have brought Justice back to health. Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter/Facebook

Ten thousand dollars is for the taking for information leading to the arrest of a dog attacker in the nation’s mid-western region.

A horribly abused dog was discovered wandering on a rural road in Indiana back on Nov. 2, 2018. An unnamed good samaritan reported the poor animal to the Shelbyville/Shelby County Animal Shelter staff who have since named the dog Justice, according to IndyChannel.

Shelter staff confirmed the male pit bull terrier is recovering after being found emaciated with its face and body covered in badly infected chemical burns and cuts.

Justice had neither tags nor a microchip, leaving police and shelter staff no easy way to identify the dog.

Because Justice was so badly injured and the Shelbyville facility did not have a 24-hour emergency surgery facility, the dog was transferred to IndyVet for immediate lifesaving treatment.

The animal’s wounds were described as beyond horrific. On some parts of his body, the skin had been completely eaten away, exposing the muscle underneath. His tongue was cut and burnt, probably from licking corrosive chemicals off his exposed flesh.

New Year Brings Renewed Health

Staff at the shelter confirmed that Justice is growing healthier every day. He has gained back some weight, no longer uses a catheter, and showing his personality. Although Justice still needs more surgery and care, he is still expected to regain the use of both eyes and all other normal physical functions.

“Because he is feeling much better and stronger his personality is really starting to shine,” shelter employee Chris Browder said in a Facebook post. “Justice is definitely an affectionate dog that appreciates his foster parents and caregivers at IndyVet.”

Meanwhile the shelter started its #Justice4Justice campaign to track down anyone who tortured the animal. Initially the shelter offered a $5,000 reward but the amount has been doubled to $10,000.

“We do not know what was done to this poor soul. We want answers,” Browder said. “Please, any anonymous tips .... big or small that can help us locate the person(s) responsible and pursue charges.”

Browder said anyone with information about what happened to Justice should email [email protected], or phone the shelter at 317-392-5127. Tips can be made anonymously.

The shelter is also asking for donations to help fund the cost of saving Justice. People wanting to help with expenses are invited to contact the shelter directly.

Petition to Increase Abuse Penalties

Justice has not just touched the hearts of countless people via social media—he has inspired legal reform.

Change.org has hosted a petition urging the Indiana Congress to reclassify animal abuse from a level 6 to a more serious level 5 felony.

“This crime level must be enhanced because of the effects it has on the animals involved, the amount of resources that go into rehabilitating these animals and the amount of resources that go into investigating these crimes,” petition founder Holly Watt said.

Watt said law enforcement officials have to investigate, concerned citizens have to donate, and vets and shelters to give their time. She estimates each case, just like the torture of Justice, actually costs the community tens of thousands of dollars. As a level 6 felony, the perpetrator, if caught, could receive just a six-month sentence, and a maximum of 2.5 years. Legally, a judge can rule a level 6 felony to be a misdemeanor.

A level 5 felony allows a sentence of between one and six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

From NTD.com

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