Submitted by Fox First at Ten on August 21st
UPDATE FROM SCRAPS
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. - Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) continues to investigate a possible dog fighting ring that could be responsible for the death of two animals.
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of $2,500 for the arrest and conviction of those responsible…and a private citizen has donated an additional $250 bringing the total reward to $2,750.
In addition, SCRAPS is distributing an informational flyer on how to identify possible dog fighting in your neighborhood. For more information, contact SCRAPS at 477-2532 or CLICK HERE
SCRAPS Press Release:
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Early Tuesday morning, SCRAPS Animal Protection Officer Emylee Tolliver responded to a call at Trentwood Elementary in the City of Spokane Valley (14701 E. Wellesley).
When Officer Tolliver arrived she found a "horrific scene" and a brown pit bull tied to a dumpster covered in blood. "This was not just a case of a lost dog tied to a dumpster," Tolliver said, "This was intentional". Officer Tolliver also observed that there appeared to be old injuries as well as new wounds, indicating this dog may have been involved in a series of dog fights.
The dog was immediately taken to a veterinarian and examined. The veterinarian determined that there were severe bite wounds to the throat and tongue of the dog, and they were probably caused by another dog. Part of the animal's tongue was necrotic and it appeared to be partly dislocated. The veterinarian also believed that the dog suffered a tear to the trachea and esophagus. Since the animal was in tremendous pain with life-threatening injuries, the veterinarian recommended euthanasia.
Officer Tolliver showed the veterinarian photos of the crime scene. After reviewing the pictures, the veterinarian believes that a second dog was involved and that dog probably bled out, dying at the location because of the congealed blood seen in the photo (see "Dumpster" photo).
SCRAPS is asking any persons with information to please call them immediately at (509) 477-2532. The Humane Society of the United States supports SCRAPS in its investigation and is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of animal cruelty.
Animal Cruelty 1st Degree (R.C.W. 16.52.2) and Animal Fighting (R.C.W. 16.52.117) are class C Felonies, punishable by five-years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
