McKamey Raises Reward Money for Info on Abused Dog

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – On January 31, Bright Eyes, a small, mixed-breed dog was found having wandered onto a local woman’s porch.

The dog was visibly frightened, and had her mouth bound shut with electrical tape.

After the dog was taken into the care of McKamey Animal Center, a reward of $500 was posted for information on who might have done this.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been tremendous, and that reward now has grown to over $4,500 for information leading to that arrest,” said Inga Fricke, Executive Director of McKamey Animal Center.

The money is being generated by voluntary community donations.

In Tennessee, animal cruelty is considered a class A misdemeanor, but if it turns out to be the perpetrator’s second offense, that charge could be raised to a felony.

“If they have a prior conviction, or if we were able to prove certain levels of intent, here, theoretically, it might be bumped up to a lower grade felony.”

In Hamilton County, reports of animal abuse are common, although most are instances of neglect.

“We get get several abuse, cruelty, neglect calls, usually in a day, definitely in a week. Most of those tend to be animals without sufficient food, water, or shelter,” said Rebecca Bryan, Executive Director of the Humane Educational Society.

While the person or persons who abused her have yet to be caught, Bright Eyes is doing well in a new foster home.