One dog is dead and another is recovering at a Portsmouth shelter in connection to an animal neglect case.
To help find whoever is responsible, the Potter League for Animals is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of a suspect or suspects.
Kara Montalbano, who is the director of marketing and community relations at the Potter League, said the funds were donated by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.
“One of our supporters offered $5,000,” she said. “I’m not surprised because we have the best supporters. Bad things happened but a whole lot of people are doing the right thing. We just know how awesome people can be, and hopefully, we can turn a bad situation in to a good one.”
Brad Shear, who is the CEO of the Potter League, told NBC 10 News the dogs were found lying on the side of the road in the Gardner Seveney Sports Complex Thanksgiving morning.
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The dogs were affectionately named Turkey and Gravy.
Police said the animals appeared to have been abandoned, describing them as lethargic and emaciated.
“They were both severely underweight,” Shear told NBC 10. “You can see every bone every rib on this dog’s body. They’ve been malnourished for a very long time. It takes weeks for dogs to lose this much weight.”
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Shear said a veterinarian hospital initially treated the dogs, but quickly realized they needed to go to an emergency hospital immediately.
Turkey’s health declined suddenly, and she had to be euthanized.
“Unfortunately, one of the dogs did not survive because her condition was so bad,” Shear said. “She was having issues with her liver that she was not going to recover from.”
Despite all she has endured, Shear and Montalbano said Gravy is recovering.
Montalbano said the dog was initially shy but has gotten more comfortable.
“Seeing her peppier kind of made everything better,” Montalbano said.
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Shear agreed. He said Gravy is a trooper.
“Through all she’s been through, her personality still really comes through,” he said. “She’s just so sweet and loving.”
Her breed is unknown, and it has not been confirmed if Turkey and Gravy were from the same litter.
As to how the dogs were abandoned, an investigation is ongoing.
“This shouldn’t happen just because of a lack of resources for someone,” Shear said. “Last year, we gave away 40,000 pounds of pet food for people who needed help.”
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In the meantime, Shear said he and his staff are working to restore Gravy’s health. Then, he said, she will be available for adoption.
Shear and Montalbano are optimistic the reward will help uncover whoever is responsible.
“We’re hoping that it leads to something,” Montalbano said.
Police asked anyone who has information about the case are to contact the Detective Division at 401-683-0994 or 401-683-0300.