LEWES, Del. – Delaware Animal Welfare officials are now offering a reward for information leading to an arrest after a dog was drowned in a heinous animal cruelty case in Lewes.
Friday afternoon, Lewes Police contacted Delaware Animal Services after they found a dog secured to a sledgehammer that was thrown into Canary Creek in the 800 block of Pilottown Road. Once recovered, the dog was found to be deceased.
An investigation is underway to find the person(s) responsible. The dog is described as a male, possibly a terrier mix, weighing around 40 pounds, with black and brown colored fur.
The dog did not have a microchip and had no identification. It’s unknown how long the dog was in the water.
Delaware Animal Welfare officials are now offering a $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest, according to Delaware Animal Services Captain Phil Dixon.
“It’s a very heinous crime,” Captain Dixon told our Rob Petree. “Someone that would take this measure to dispose of their dog is somebody we wanna contact and bring to justice for the dog itself.”
Thanks to a concerned citizen, Captain Dixon tells us that Delaware Animal Services has since partnered with Crime Stoppers to offer the reward.
“Thankfully a concerned citizen reached out to us and was generous enough to offer the reward, so we paired with Delaware Crime Stoppers,” Captain Dixon explained. “The reward’s going to be held at the Crime Stoppers and then if someone can come forward and give us help to lead to an arrest and conviction then the money’s all theirs.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646 or online. Tips can be made anonymously.