Pit bull dies after being set ablaze; reward offered

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 her 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.

Investigators, who say that several people witnessed the vicious incident, have offered a $500 reward.

Chloe was found Sunday on the 700 block of Gray Street in East Germantown, suffering from severe burns. She was taken to the city's animal-control shelter, but the extent of her injuries made it necessary to transfer her to a rescue facility in Lambertville, N.J.

"Despite the best efforts of the Pennsylvania SPCA's veterinary staff and that of the Animal Alliance NJ, Chloe was in great pain and died from her injuries," said Wendy Marano, spokeswoman for the SPCA. She said the agency would "continue to diligently investigate this heinous crime."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Pennsylvania SPCA Anti-Cruelty Hotline at 1-866-601-7722 (SPCA).

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