Reward offered for couple who starved puppy

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Humane Society of the United States is offering $2,500 to help find the couple responsible for starving a pit bull puppy to near death.

Veterinarians said “Little Bit” was so malnourished that she couldn’t stand or lift her head when she was dropped off at The Village Vets of Decatur on Sept. 28.

Police are still searching for the couple who abandoned Little Bit. They could face animal cruelty charges, DeKalb County Police spokesman Officer Jason Gagnon said.

On Wednesday, the Humane Society announced the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

“Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people,” said Cheryl McAuliffe, state director of the Humane Society of the United States. “Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world.”

On Sunday, veterinarians said the mixed breed pit bull had gained three pounds and will be released this week. The puppy is 8-10 weeks old, said Dr. Alisha Spivey of the Animal Emergency Center of Decatur.

Video surveillance shows a woman brought the puppy into the vet and started to fill out some paperwork. She then fled, leaving the incomplete forms and the dog in the lobby, police said.

“She was severely dehydrated, severely emaciated and had abnormalities in her blood because of dehydration,” Spivey said.

The suspects were captured on the office’s video surveillance cameras. They were last seen fleeing in a black SUV.

The suspects are described as a black male and a black female. The male suspect is about 5-feet-9 inches tall, 180 pounds with a low haircut and some facial hair. The female suspect is described as about 5-feet-5 inches tall, 150-170 pounds with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Anyone with information about the dog or the suspects may contact the DeKalb police animal cruelty unit at 404-294-2645.