Warning: The attached video and photos at right contain graphic content.
--
Authorities in the city of Sacramento are looking for the person or persons who set a puppy on fire and left it to die on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day.
Gina Knepp, the manager of the Sacramento Animal Care Services Department, said a passerby called to report the case of animal cruelty on Wednesday morning. The dog's injuries were so severe it had to be euthanized, she said.
"This is a sick, twisted person who's done this," Knepp said.
The dog was found near the corner of Calvados Avenue and Oakmont Street, in Sacramento's Del Paso Heights neighborhood. Knepp was planning to head to that area Friday afternoon to pass out fliers asking for help from the community in finding the person or persons responsible.
"Somebody up there knows something and I'm going to find them," she said. "This is about animals but it's also about people. The people of Del Paso Heights shouldn't have to live with someone who's willing to do something of this level of depravity."
Her effort will be bolstered by an $8,000 reward: nonprofit Red Rover has pledged $2,500, dog rescue Scooter's Pals has offered $500 and the Humane Society of the United States is offering $5,000.
Knepp said it was important to find the culprit, because of the link between violence toward animals and violence toward humans.
"If you'll do this to an animal, what's next?"
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 916-808-5855.
--
It is imperative that you are caught for your diabolical actions. You are a menance to society and need to be removed from society immediately before you turn your attention upon children. To hurt one of God's creation the way you hurt this poor helpless animal is beyond any cruel act I have ever encountered. Hurting animals in the manner you hurt this poor dog is not a way to show how tough you are. You are not proving your bravery in any shape or form. What you are proving is your need to be locked away from all humanity...all creations. You are a coward who likes to watch living creatures suffer by your hand. Regardless of your belief, let me inform you, there is a God watching from above all your devious actions. You will be returned that which you did to this dog. And when God pays you a visit with his punishment on you, you will remember it for a long long time. If you want to act so tough, why don't you turn yourself in to the Sacramento Police Department? Perhaps you can get the help you need. One day you will attempt to set a dog on fire and the owner of that dog will have a bullet ready to fire with your name on it. I imagine you wait until darkness falls and a stray dog happens upon you. That's the hour cowards work...you definetly are a coward. A very mentally deranged coward at that.