Flanders, NJ—The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting a dog that was found with multiple gunshot wounds in Wilkes-Barre last month.
The dog, a young adult German shepherd was discovered in a field in Fairmount Township near Giza Road, according to news reports. He was brought to a hospital and given first aid, then transported to Pittston Animal Hospital where veterinarian Dr. I. H. Kathio operated on the dog and saved his life. Dr. Kathio is reported to have found more than 20 open wounds on the dog’s body. The young shepherd also suffered multiple bone fractures, according to reports. Dr. Kathio is posting a $1,000 reward in the case. Currently, the reward fund is at more than $3,500.

Thankfully, the dog survived the ordeal and now is continuing to recover at his new home with his new adopted family. However, this story will not truly have a happy ending until the person or persons who committed this crime are brought to justice.

“Dr. Kathio should be commended for his compassion and dedication that saved this dog’s life,” said Barbara Dyer, program coordinator for The HSUS Mid-Atlantic Regional Office in Flanders. “This dog suffered incredible pain at the hands of a brutal person or persons. Whoever committed this crime will continue to be a threat to other animals and people in the community until they are caught. We encourage anyone with information about this cruel and senseless assault to contact the authorities.”

Humane society police officers with the Luzerne County SPCA are investigating this case. Anyone with information is asked to call Carol Morrison or Stan Madera at 570-825-4111. Information will be kept confidential.

Animal protection organizations and law enforcement alike, including the FBI, have long known about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence. Many criminals, from young school shooters to the most notorious serial killers, have had a history of cruelty to animals. The HSUS First Strike Campaign™ raises public awareness about this correlation between animal cruelty and violence towards people while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families.