Reward for info on starved puppy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Erie County SPCA says the animal rights group P.E.T.A. is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the owner of a 6-month-old pit bull now named "Metro."

The female puppy was dropped off in an east side parking lot last Thursday night. The dog had been starved nearly to death, and left out in the cold.

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A Rural Metro ambulance crew discovered the sick and freezing animal and brought it to the SPCA, where it is now recovering. Metro has gained two pounds and is showing improvement, according to SPCA officials. A major test of her ability to bounce back will be whether she can maintain a healthy body temperature and keep up her hydration levels.

If the puppy survives, she is likely to be placed in a foster home. She would then be brought back to the SPCA for adoption.

The SPCA has launched its own investigation, attempting to find the puppy's owner.