Discovery Of Second Dog Set On Fire Prompts PA SPCA To Plan Upcoming Rally
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Yet another dog has been set on fire and left to die in Philadelphia, prompting SPCA officials to plan an upcoming anti-animal abuse event.
On Thursday, a male pitbull puppy arrived at the Pennsylvania SPCA via the Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT Philly) with severe burns to his legs and back and possible smoke inhalation. The puppy was found by a passerby on West Cheltenham Avenue in West Oak Lane suffering from its injuries.
SPCA officials have named the approximately four-month-old pup Hercules. Hercules was treated by vets at the SPCA and then transferred to the Animal Alliance of NJ in Lambertville.
While Hercules is expected to survive, he remains in serious condition.
"This is an extremely troubling trend," said Marc Peralta, chief operating officer of the Pennsylvania SPCA. "This is a sick and deplorable act, and something that won't be tolerated. Our Humane Law Enforcement team will be investigating and will prosecute the person(s) responsible to the full extent of the law."
Just a little over a week ago, a female pitbull nicknamed Chloe died of her injuries after being set on fire near the 700 block of Gray Street (see previous story). No arrests have been made in that case, which remains under investigation.
The Pennsylvania SPCA says that due to a recent rise in animal cruelty cases, it is planning a rally against animal abuse at its headquarters at 350 E Erie Avenue. The rally is called "Justice for Chloe" and will be held on July 12 at 7 p.m. It will include speakers and an announcement of an increase in the amount of the reward being offered for information in Chloe's case. The reward was previously set at $1,000.
Anyone with information should call the Anti-Cruelty Hotline at 866-601-7722, and donations to the reward fund can be made at here, or by calling 215-426-6304 Ext. 272.
