Humane Society offers reward for dog cruelty case - KSWO, Lawton, OK- Wichita Falls, TX: News, Weather, Sports. ABC, 24/7, Telemundo -

Humane Society offers reward for dog cruelty case

OKLAHOMA CO., Okla_ (Dec. 10, 2012)—The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­throwing a German shepherd dog off a bridge and onto an interstate highway in Oklahoma City.

On Wednesday, the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office was contacted by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol regarding an eyewitness report that a German shepherd was thrown from a bridge on S.E. 59^th Street into traffic on I-40. The dog was identified through a tag on his collar as Rookie. He is in critical condition with several injuries, including an open fracture on his rear left leg, and he is also suffering from internal bleeding. An Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office animal welfare deputy transported Rookie to the Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Harrah, Okla., where he was initially treated, but due to the severity of his injuries, Rookie was transferred to the Oklahoma State University School of Veterinary Medicine where he will be undergoing surgery. The Humane Society of the United States is covering the cost of veterinary expenses for Rookie.

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

"Throwing a dog off a bridge into certain death is horribly cruel and also a serious crime in Oklahoma," said Cynthia Armstrong, The HSUS' Oklahoma state director. "We hope our reward helps find the person or persons who committed this despicable act."

The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call (405) 869-2501.