Reward up to $1,000 in beagle cruelty case

4/7/2001

FREMONT - The reward has been increased to $1,000 for information leading to the conviction of the person who tied a beagle's hind legs together with a boot shoe lace before she gave birth.

A deputy dog warden found the animal Tuesday outside a rural Gibsonburg home with her three newborn puppies at her side. Her legs had been tied for days, and she had given birth about 24 hours before she was found.

Pat Forsyth, the Sandusky County dog warden, said yesterday that the beagle and her puppies appear to be healthy. The dog's circulation was cut off temporarily by the laces, but Ms. Forsyth said they believe one injured leg will not need to be amputated.

Officials continue to investigate, and no charges have been filed.