$5K Reward Offered After Puppy Left In Trash Bag Dies

BROOKYLN PARK, Md. (WJZ) – There is a new incentive to help catch the person who killed a puppy by throwing it in the trash in Anne Arundel County.

Amy Yensi has more on the search for the suspect and the puppy's owner.

There's still no trace of the person who stuffed a puppy in a trash bag and left it to die in Brooklyn Park.

Now the Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

"We've made it so high because this is truly a horrible, horrendous, heartbreaking case of animal cruelty and we want this person found," said Emily Hovermale, Maryland state director for The HSUS.

The black and white terrier mix was about six months old. He died after being sealed in a bag and dumped like garbage on a vacant lot Thursday night.

RELATED: Puppy Dies After It's Found Inside Trash Bag In Anne Arundel County

The black bag was shivering in the cold when it was spotted by a neighbor, who called police. The woman spoke only to WJZ.

"I could tell it was kind of weak when the police came over and finally opened the bag. It was a devastating sight. The dog was shaking," she said.

Officers have been handing out fliers, as investigators visit local vet clinics and pet stores. The dog's owner is still a mystery.

"We're not sure if it's somebody from the neighborhood or if it was someone who was driving through the neighborhood that placed the bag there with the dog inside," said Lt. Ryan Frashure, Anne Arundel County Police Department.

Police say a green granular substance was found in the bag.

Forensic testing of the powder and the puppy's body is still being processed, but the dog had no visible injuries.

"That's terrible. That's definitely terrible," said Brian Gibson.

Neighbors and dog lovers--left stunned by the dog's cruel final moments.

The Humane Society says that if the dog's owner had simply given it up to Animal Control or to a shelter, the dog may still be alive.

If you know anything, you're urged to contact Anne Arundel County's Northern District with any information.