Reward in case of young pit bull set afire

The Pennsylvania SPCA is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who doused a young pit bull with gasoline and then set it afire.

The dog, named Chloe, died about an hour after being taken to an animal hospital in central New Jersey.

"This is an extreme case of animal abuse," said Lisa Germanis, head veterinarian at the Pennsylvania SPCA's Shelter Hospital.

SPCA spokeswoman Wendy Marano called it "a heinous crime."

Investigators, who say several people saw the incident, have offered a $500 reward.

Chloe was found Sunday on the 700 block of Gray Street in East Germantown, suffering from severe burns. It was taken to the city's animal-control shelter, but the extent of its injuries made it necessary to transfer it to the rescue facility in Lambertville operated by Animal Alliance NJ.

Authorities ask that anyone with information call the Pennsylvania SPCA Anti-Cruelty Hotline at 866-601-7722 (SPCA).

at 215-854-2796 or samwood@phillynews.com.