On October 7, a dog was discovered mutilated in a ditch, with her mouth taped closed and her legs bound. The dog, named Zoe by rescuers, had apparently been stabbed in her side, her lung punctured. Her back leg tendons were cut and the tip of her nose had been sliced off.

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with Zoe’s torture. That is why PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is offering as much as $2,500 – in addition to a reward from within the community – for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this violent crime.

PETA believes that other animals in the area – and even human residents – may be in danger as long as those responsible for this crime are at large and they are urging residents not to leave animals outside unattended.

“Animal abusers are cowards,” says PETA Casework Division Manager Martin Mersereau. “They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Area residents have reason to be concerned. According to leading mental-health professionals and law-enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat not only to other animals, but to the community as a whole.”

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Echols County Sheriff’s Office at 229-559-5603.