Reward Offered in Brentwood, New York, Animal Cruelty Case

July 18, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for setting a tethered dog on fire.  This reward is in addition to one established by the Suffolk County SPCA, which is aggressively investigating the case.

The Case:

According to Chief Roy Gross, of the Suffolk County SPCA, a Brentwood, Long Island resident found a severely burned male pit bull mixed breed dog near Sycamore and Apple Streets on Thursday, July 12.  In addition to second- and third-degree burns over much of the dog's body, puncture wounds to his neck were visible and the odor of an accelerant was detected.  The dog, who was named "Maximus" by those trying to save him, died yesterday as a result of the severe injuries inflicted upon him. 

Investigators at the Suffolk County SPCA, veterinarians from Save-A-Pet Rescue center, and caretakers at the Central Islip Animal Shelter were devastated by the death of an animal who, despite his cruel treatment, had displayed friendly behavior to those who came to his rescue. 

Animal Cruelty:

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. The HSUS First Strike Campaign® raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. Visit humanesociety.org/firststrike.

The Investigator:

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Chief Roy Gross, Suffolk County SPCA, at 631-382-7722. 

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Office of The HSUS, located in Flanders, New Jersey, serves the animals and people of five states: Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—a culturally diverse area of the nation that's home to nearly 17 percent of HSUS members and constituents.