NEW YORK - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced that it will offer a $15,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case of a three-month-old pit bull puppy, named Joey, who was thrown out of a moving car last Saturday in Brentwood, Long Island. This reward is in addition to the $5,000 reward being offered by the Suffolk County SPCA. The ASPCA is also providing a $10,000 grant to the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island to help offset some of the costs that have been incurred in treating and caring for Joey.
 
According to Suffolk County SPCA reports, Joey was found in a plastic bag near the Sagtikos State Parkway on Saturday afternoon, August 11. A witness saw someone toss the bag out of a car and called for help after hearing cries coming from the bag. Joey suffered three broken vertebrae in his neck, and when he was brought to the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, he was covered in fleas and weighed only 10 pounds.

“We were both outraged and saddened to hear about this disturbing case of violent abuse, and the callousness that was demonstrated by those responsible,” said Matt Bershadker, senior vice president of the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Group. “While our ultimate hope is that these types of heinous acts never occur, this is a message that cruelty toward animals will not be tolerated. We are pleased to be in a position to help those who are helping Joey, and we thank the Suffolk County SPCA for its commitment to finding these perpetrators, and the staff of the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island for their extensive efforts in caring for Joey.”     

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA by calling 631-382-7722.

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.