PSPCA raises reward money in deaths of six pitbulls

More than three weeks since six dead, mutilated pitbulls were found near railroad tracks in South Philadelphia, a reward for information about their killers has been increased to $5,000.

The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raised the ante from $2,000 Thursday afternoon in the heinous finding Jan. 30.

"We know that these animals did not die of natural causes and we suspect that they may have been used in dogfighting," said George Bengal, PSPCA director of humane law enforcement. "We urge anyone with information about how these dogs were injured or who placed them in that area to contact us."

Railroad inspectors discovered the dogs during a track inspection near South 26th Street and Washington Avenue. The six adult dogs were stuffed into black plastic bags and each had extensive injuries and wounds. SPCA investigators said they believe the dogs appear to have died within 24 hours of their discovery.

The remains of the animals were brought  to the Pennsylvania SPCA headquarters in North Philadelphia where necropsies were performed. The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information in this case should call the Pennsylvania SPCA's Anti-Cruelty hotline at 1-866-601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.