BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (WCAX) – The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information on who left a puppy in a dumpster in Brattleboro. The dog later died.
“Please don’t throw it away. You know he was alive and he deserved a fighting chance, and he didn’t get that,” said Krystal Crandall, the Brattleboro Police Department’s animal control officer.
Authorities say it happened in the early morning on July 5. They say a man driving an 18-wheeler pulled into the Citgo gas station along Putney Road and left the 4-week-old pit bull-type mix– who police have named Judge– to die in the dumpster.
The puppy was rescued from the dumpster but died after lifesaving measures were not successful.
“It just sickened me really, to think that somebody would dispose of an animal in that matter, and especially when it was needless,” said Joanne Bourbeau with the U.S. Humane Society.
Weeks later, the investigation is still underway. Crandall says it’s been a challenge to identify the truck and driver due to poor lighting.
“Even looking at camera views from in the area, some of its black and white, so you can’t distinguish which truck is which, so it’s tough to follow,” she said. “He’s a trucker and really could be from anywhere, but I’m just hoping this helps.”
Bourbeau says there are better options for those who realize they cannot take care of a pet. “There are agencies here in Vermont that would have stepped up to help no questions asked,” she said.
“Just don’t throw puppies away, don’t throw animals away. If you have an animal and you’re struggling and you don’t know what to do with it, or it seems sick, or whatever the case may be, contact me, contact your local animal control officer, contact the Humane Society, the fire department,” Crandall said.
Brattleboro police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call Krystal Crandall at 802-257-7946, 802-490-9530 or email at Krystal.Crandall@vermont.gov.