UPDATE: Feb. 23, 10:14 a.m.
PETA has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible for sealing a Chihuahua in multiple bags over the weekend, bringing the total reward to $6,000.
Original story follows:
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A $1,000 reward is being offered for any information about the person responsible for restraining a Chihuahua in multiple sealed bags and leaving it along the railroad tracks in Vineland, New Jersey.
According to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter, a man was walking his dog Saturday morning in Vineland when his dog started to react to a bag on the ground. The man saw the bag move and heard something inside, so he immediately brought it to the shelter.
Video shows a shelter worker opening three layers of bags, cutting through the third duffel to reveal a young Chihuahua, which they named Coco. She and the bags were soaked in urine.
The dog was evaluated by a veterinarian and placed in a foster home, the shelter said Monday. She weighs 6 pounds and is about 1 year old.
The South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter is offering $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for the alleged animal abuse.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Vineland Police Department at 856-691-411.