ASPCA Offers $5,000 Reward for Information Leading to Arrest in Heinous Long Island Animal Cruelty Case

German shepherd found with his mouth duct-taped shut on Montauk Highway; $2,000 also being offered by Suffolk County SPCA
April 20, 2016

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that it will offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a German shepherd found abandoned with his mouth duct-taped shut on the side of a Long Island, New York highway. This reward is in addition to the $2,000 being offered by the Suffolk County SPCA, which is leading the investigation.

According to Suffolk County SPCA reports, the German shepherd was discovered on Saturday, April 9, on Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst. The dog’s muzzle had been duct-taped shut, preventing him from breathing, eating or drinking properly. The 2- or 3-year-old male dog is currently being cared for by the Babylon Animal Shelter of West Babylon, New York.

“This is a truly sickening case of animal cruelty, and the heartlessness demonstrated by those responsible is shocking,” said Howard Lawrence, vice president of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement. “While our ultimate hope is that these types of heinous acts never occur, this reward sends a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our society. We thank the Suffolk County SPCA for its commitment to finding justice for this dog.”

"To leave this dog unable to eat or drink, abandoned and frightened on a busy road is heartbreaking," said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA by calling 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

The ASPCA encourages the public to be vigilant when it comes to reporting suspected animal abuse, and to contact the appropriate authorities that are responsible for investigating and enforcing the anti-cruelty laws in their area.