‘Sickening.’ Humane Society says dog was thrown off bridge in Macon. Reward offered for tips

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for throwing a puppy off of a bridge in Macon.

The Humane Society said in a news release that a severely injured puppy was found inside a backpack near Mead Road on May 21.

Kassi Bennett, case manager of Animal Crimes at The Humane Society of the United States said the act was “sickening.”

“The sickening abuse inflicted upon this defenseless puppy is inexcusable,” she said. “We hope this reward encourages anyone with information to come forward and help us identify the person responsible for this horrific crime.”

A witness reported seeing two suspects traveling in a four-door sedan along Mead Road when a blue, black and gray backpack was thrown off a bridge onto the railroad tracks. The witness retrieved the backpack and opened it to find the gravely injured puppy, according to a July 3 news release from The Humane Society of the United States .

The witness immediately took the puppy to S.O.S. Rescue GA, the Humane Society said. A veterinarian discovered multiple old and new injuries, suggesting weeks of torture before the puppy, estimated to be 10 weeks old, was thrown from the bridge. The puppy, now named Guy Payne, will need several surgeries to overcome the injuries sustained during his prolonged abuse.

The Humane Society wanted to get the attention of the public and law enforcement in serious cruelty cases such as this one. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented, the Humane Society said. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

The Humane Society of the United States doubled its standard cruelty reward from $2,500 to $5,000 thanks to a generous donation from a board member.

The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Cruelty campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources and support to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The organization offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

Anyone with relevant information can report tips anonymously to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500.