Syracuse, N.Y. — A $2,000 reward has been offered for information on what led to the death of a dog that was found in a duffle bag on a Syracuse street corner near Onondaga Creek last month, police said.
The young male Pitbull mix, named Justin after his death, was found on the morning of March 9, at the corner of West Lafayette and Hunt avenues, police said Wednesday in a news release.
Justin was left to die shortly before he was found at about 9 a.m., police said.
He was found in a blue duffel bag, wearing a red harness on his body and a yellow rope around his neck, according to police.
The department’s animal cruelty unit is actively investigating what led to Justin’s death.
“This horrendous act of cruelty will NOT be tolerated in our backyard,” a police spokesperson said.
The Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse pledged the $2,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of Justin’s abuser or abusers.
Police ask anyone with information about Justin’s case to contact the Syracuse Police Animal Cruelty Unit at 315-442-5336 or by email at animalcruelty@syracusepolice.org. Tips may be made anonymously.
Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.