Reports Of Animal Cruelty On The Rise In Nassau County
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Long Island officials say there's been an increase in reports of animal cruelty in Nassau County this year.
Nassau County and the county's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is offering a $5,000 reward for information about incidents of dog fighting and abuse.
Officials also are offering a $1,000 reward to anyone reporting an incident of animal cruelty that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Reports Of Animal Cruelty On The Rise In Nassau County
Animal cruelty is up 20 percent in Nassau County, mostly because people are reporting it more often, 1010 WINS' Carol D'Auria reported.
The two entities held a news conference Monday afternoon to announce the rewards. Miss Harper, a puppy that authorities said had been tortured, attended.
The pit bull puppy was found in September with her back leg and both her ears cut off and had a number of infections, authorities said.
Last month, three people were charged with animal cruelty in connection with the case.
Lee Hughes, 39, Shawanna Hughes, 37, and Reginald Smith, 33, were arrested after a months-long investigation by the attorney general's office and the SPCA, authorities said.
They were charged with various counts of animal cruelty, practicing veterinary medicine without a license and conspiracy, authorities said.
Miss Harper has been receiving care at My Pets Vet in Huntington since she was found.
Donations are being accepted through the Nassau County SPCA's website. Those interested in adopting can email adopt@ncspca.us.
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