LEXINGTON, Ky. — Editor's note: This story contains information regarding violence against animals and may not be suitable for all audiences. The picture above is generic and does not depict one of the dogs killed.
A reward is being offered after a litter of puppies that were "intentionally burned" was found in May in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case of 13 puppies that were burned alive.
On May 29, a local resident found a litter of 13 puppies, estimated to be 8 days old, at an intersection near Todds Road and North Cleveland, according to a Humane Society news release.
Seven of the puppies had died as a result of what law enforcement called an "intentional burning." The other puppies were rushed to a veterinarian, but ultimately died from the "horrendous torture" they endured, Humane Society officials said.
“It is heartbreaking to even imagine what horrendous torture these puppies went through at only 8 days old,” said Todd Blevins, Kentucky state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “There is no excuse for this kind of cruelty. We hope our reward helps find the perpetrator of this despicable act.”
Lt. Jai Hamilton, animal cruelty investigator for Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control, says she plans to file 13 counts of animal cruelty in the first degree, all felonies, against whomever is responsible.
Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control is investigating this case. Anyone with relevant information is asked to email Hamilton at jhamilton@lfacc.org.
