Lawrence County Humane Society officials are looking for leads that would help them find an individual who abused a dog and left it for dead.

Sunday, June 10, 2001

Lawrence County Humane Society officials are looking for leads that would help them find an individual who abused a dog and left it for dead.

The group wants to catch the culprit so badly, it is offering a $100 reward through an anonymous donor to anyone who can help identify the person.

According to Steve VanSant, director of the Humane Society’s Shelter, the male black Labrador was found in the Deering area Thursday afternoon. The animal had its hind legs tied together and its tail was in deteriorating condition.

Though the animal was in deplorable shape, it managed to crawl to the back porch of a residence in the area. The occupant of the house immediately called the Humane Society.

According to VanSant, the dog was taken to the Proctorville Animal Clinic where it was examined by Dr. Joseph Snyder.

"He said this was one of the worst cases (of abuse) he has seen," VanSant said. "He couldn’t believe how abused the dog was."

In addition to the severe wounds the dog sustained to its legs and tail, it tested positive for heart worms, VanSant said. He added Dr. Snyder suspects the dog has mange, but test results were not available Friday afternoon.

The dog was named "Sparkle" by VanSant because "all that he went through, when I went down to check on him he had a little bit of a sparkle in his eyes."

VanSant said Don Clark, Lawrence County humane agent, is investigating the case. In addition, information has been shared with Lawrence County Dog Warden Bill Click, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and Carla Beasley, former humane agent. Individuals with any information are urged to call the shelter at 533-9050, Clark at 643-0229 or VanSant at 377-7435.

VanSant said the estimated cost of treating the animal is in the $500-$800 range. The society is hoping individuals will come forward with donations to help defray this cost. Individuals interested in donating to "Sparkle" can send checks to the Lawrence County Humane Society, P.O. Box 412, Ironton, Ohio 45638. VanSant said to list the name "Sparkle" in the memo portion of the check.

For more information about "Sparkle," including pictures, visit http://geocities.com/Petsburgh/

Fair/1901/sparkle.html