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Reward Grows In Case Of Pit Bull Puppy Tossed Out Of Moving Car In Brentwood

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – The reward for information leading to an arrest in the case of a pit bull puppy that was tied in a plastic bag and flung out of a moving car is up to $25,000.

The 3-month-old pup named Joey was found in a black plastic bag at the closed Pilgrim Psychiatric Center near the Sagtikos Parkway in Brentwood Saturday afternoon.

A witness apparently saw someone toss the bag out of a car and called for help after hearing cries coming from the bag.

Joey suffered a broken neck and had bite wounds on his neck, indicating that he may have been used as bait to train other dogs to fight, according to Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA.

Matt Bershadker, senior vice president of the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty Group, called it a "disturbing case of violent abuse."

"We were both outraged and saddened to hear about this disturbing case of violent abuse, and the callousness that was demonstrated by those responsible," he said in a statement.

The ASPCA, Suffolk County SPCA and North Shore Animal League are all offering rewards leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

"Someone out there knows who did this and we are asking that person to come forward," Gross said.

The ASPCA is offering $15,000 reward while the Suffolk County SPCA and North Shore Animal League are both offering $5,000 each, bringing the total to $25,000.

Meanwhile, Joey continues to recover.

Veterinarians said Joey will be hospitalized for six to eight weeks and said there is a 50 percent chance his neck bones will heal on their own, according to North Shore Animal League.

"This 3-month-old puppy was thrown out of a moving car, in a plastic trash bag, with no consideration for his life," President of North Shore Animal League America John Stevenson said in a statement. "We would love to help little Joey find the loving home he deserves."

In addition to his injuries, vets said Joey was malnourished and underweight, weighing just 10 pounds when he was brought in. A healthy pit bull puppy his age would weigh at least 15 pounds.

The ASPCA is also giving $10,000 to help offset some of the costs of treating and caring for Joey.

Anyone with information should call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

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