Reward upped to $12,000 in dog sodomy

(Newark - WABC, January 17, 2007) (WABC) -- The reward is now up to $12,000 for any information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrator who sodomized a 10-month-old pit bull in Newark.

The Associated Humane Societies and the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offered a reward of $5,000 when the incident first happened. Posters went up in the area along with a media alert and an additional $7,000 was raised.

The dog, who has been named "Kate" after her veterinary caretaker, arrived at Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls after being rescued in Newark where she was found in the hallway of an apartment building in a pool of her own blood.

"Kate was a neighborhood dog, belonging to everyone and yet, no one," said Roseann Trezza, Executive Director of the Associated Humane Societies. "She was given infrequent meals and was grateful for any attention or treats she received. Just before the horrible tragedy, she was seen walking on a leash with two teenagers. A short time later, she was found in the hallway near death."

Since Kate's arrival in Tinton Falls, she has been given round-the-clock-care. When veterinarians first examined her, she was apparently in the process of shutting down physically and emotionally. She has been fed through a tube and is beginning to take small amounts of food. Her medications are expected to be switched from intravenous to oral and once she is eating and having normal bowel movements, she will be transferred to The Associated Humane Societies Medical Department in Newark.

The Associated Humane Societies is asking anyone who has any information about this incident to come forward. If someone is convicted of the crime, penalties range up to $7,500 in fines and 18 months behind bars. The Associated Humane Societies would be grateful for any donations towards the cost of Kate's medical care.

The Associated Humane Societies (AHS), founded in 1906, is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey. AHS consists of four shelters located in Newark, Forked River, Tinton Falls and Union. The Forked River facility also includes the federally licensed Popcorn Park Zoo which is a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused or elderly wildlife, exotic and farm animals and birds. For more information, visit www.ahscares.org or to make a donation, send it to:

Popcorn Park Zoo
P.O. Box 50
Humane Way
Forked River, NJ 08731

The Society is open seven days a week from noon until 5:00 p.m.

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