Officials are searching for the owner of a pit bull who nearly choked to death after being tied to a fence.
Pennsylvania SPCA officers responded to a tip at Awbury Park in North Philadelphia early Tuesday morning where they found a dog tied to the chain link fence outside the parkโs tennis court.
Investigators say a short cable and electrical tape were wrapped around the animalโs neck and the dog was showing signs of choking.
According to the tipster, the animal had been tied to the fence since 8 p.m. on Monday.
"The dog was tied so shortly to the fence that she couldn't support herself and had been choking," said George Bengal, Director of Humane Law Enforcement. "Abandoning a pet is a crime and, in this case, it could have resulted in a slow and painful death."
SPCA officers rescued the dog and renamed her Venus. She is now being treated ta the PSPCAโs Shelter Hospital and is expected to recover.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The PSPCA is offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people or person responsible for the incident. If you have any information, please call 1-866-601-SPCA.