$5,000 reward for 8-week-old puppy set on fire

POMONA, CA - An 8-week-old puppy suffering from what appeared to be 2nd degree burns was brought to the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA on Monday, December 7th, after it had been found in an alley on the 900 block of Loma Vista Street in Pomona.

A Good Samaritan found the dog after hearing whimpering in the alley behind his home. Once the dog was located, the Good Samaritan picked up the animal at which point the dog began to yelp in pain. It was then that the finder noticed the puppy's condition and that it "smelled of burnt flesh."

The 8 week male Chihuahua mix was immediately rushed to the Inland Valley Humane Society. Shelter Veterinarians treated the animal and concluded that the dog had 2nd degree burns over much of his body. The dog's hair was singed and there was visible damage to the skin.

The dog is described as an 8 week old male Chihuahua mix. No collar, ID tag or microchip was found on the dog. The Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA is currently investigating the case and believes it was a deliberate act of animal cruelty. The dog is in critical condition and is under 24 hour care at the Inland Valley Humane Society and VCA Central Animal Hospital in Upland.

A $5,000 reward is being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible. Anyone with any information is urged to call the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA.

The Inland Valley Humane Society and S.P.C.A. is a private, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to providing protection, shelter and medical care to abandoned and injured animals of our community. For more information, contact IVHS at info@ivhsspca.org or by phone at 909-623-9777.