PETA adds to reward in buried puppy case

WILLISTON, Fla. -- A puppy found buried alive in Williston is recovering and has been adopted and PETA has contributed to the reward money being offered for information in the crime.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is adding up to $2,500 to the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.

"Animal abusers are cowards," says PETA Manager Martin Mersereau. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Area residents have good reason to be concerned when a helpless, days-old animal is buried alive. According to law-enforcement agencies and leading mental-health professionals, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals—including humans."

According to Williston Police Chief Dennis Strow, officers were disposing of evidence per a court order September 27 when they heard whimpering sounds.

Once they found the source of the sound, they started digging and rescued the puppy. He was head-first in an 8-inch hole and they believe he'd been there less than an hour.

Strow says the puppy was rushed to Levy Animal Clinic, where workers fed him with a baby bottle and started him on solid food. His eyes had not opened and he was estimated to be about 10 days old. His eyes are now open and he is progressing well.

He has been adopted by a vet tech at the clinic and has been named Tucker.