TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A reward is being offered after three dogs were abandoned in a wooded area behind a gas station in Lutz, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay said Thursday.
Two young girls found three Pointer/Hound-mixed dogs behind the Blessings Gas Station on US 41, put them in their car and drove them straight to HSTB, the shelter said.
The dogs, named Blessing, Hope and Spirit, were emaciated and urine-soaked. They each weighed only 16 pounds.
HSTB said Blessing is in the worst shape. She is covered in sores and parvo-positive. She also couldn't stand, could barely lift her head and was cold to the touch when she arrived.
Veterinarians at HSTB believe Blessing only has a 50% chance of surviving.
Hope and Spirit are believed to be Blessing's 2-year-old puppies.
"We are OUTRAGED," HSTB posted on Facebook. "These innocent dogs were discarded in the woods, where they may never have been found. This is UNACCEPTABLE. If you cannot care for your animals, there are options available, including HSTB, Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center, and other shelters and rescues across Tampa Bay, Pasco, and Pinellas."
The shelter called the case "one of those most horrific cases we’ve seen in a long time."
"Our hearts are shattered…. but we are determined to fight for their lives," HTSB said.
HSTB is offering a $500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the person responsible.
Tips can be reported to HSTB's email.
"Please keep Blessing, Hope, and Spirit in your thoughts as they fight for their lives," HSTB said.
