As the investigation continues into who critically injured an 8-week-old puppy found in Pomona with second-degree burns, a second organization has pledged up to $5,000 in the case — upping the reward to $10,000.
The Chihuaha mix, dubbed Rocket, was found by a resident on Dec. 7 after he heard the dog whimpering in an alley in the 900 block of Loma Vista Street, the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA said in a statement.
Rocket was yelping in pain and “smelled of burnt flesh,” the good Samaritan told the animal rescue organization.
More than a week later, Rocket was upgraded to stable condition, discharged from the emergency veterinarian unit, and no longer in an incubator, the group said Friday.
Rocket lost an ear due to his injuries, but doctors believed that would be the “extent of any permanent physical damage to his little body.”
He was also slowly beginning to show signs of trust again, and began eating on his own.
“It’s always hard when we have cases like this. Your heart always goes to the animal,” said Angela Toth, a supervising technician at VCA Central Animal Hospital in Upland, where Rocket was being treated. “For what he’s gone through, he seems like a happy little puppy.”
The Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA was investigating the incident and believed it to be a deliberate act of animal cruelty. The organization offered a $5,000 reward in the case.
“Our community is not safe until the person who committed this heinous act is caught,” said Bill Harford, president of the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA. “To hurt an innocent puppy the way Rocket was hurt is sick and inexcusable.”
On Monday, the Humane Society of the United States also pledge up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
The group aims to educate communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence, saying studies show a correlation between abusing animals and other crimes.
“Burning a puppy and leaving him for dead is reprehensible and a crime. We hope our reward helps find the person or persons who committed this despicable act,” the society said.
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA via email at info@ivhsspca.org or by phone at 909-623-9777.
