Pets and Vets USA Boosts Crete Township Dog Slaying Reward to $25,000
The largest animal abuse reward in the Will County area now stands at $25,000 after a local business added $20,000 to an initial $5,000 offer.
By Lucia Herrera ·
The reward for information regarding the killing of six dogs in Will County has risen to $25,000. This sum is believed to be the highest ever offered for an animal abuse case in the region. The money is being collected by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office and Crimestoppers of Will County.
In March, township workers found six pit bull-type dogs stuffed in trash bags. The bodies were located in a wooded ditch near Norfolk Avenue and Kings Road in Crete Township. Investigators reported that the dogs had signs of dog fighting and had been brutalized before death.
James Glasgow, the Will County State’s Attorney, described the incident as a case that requires a solution. He stated, "This is a case that needs to be solved because whoever did this was depraved, and we got to make sure certain that they’re not out there to harm anyone, any animals in the future." Glasgow added that the animals were mistreated while alive and treated horribly in death before being discarded like trash.
David Silverman, chairman of Crimestoppers of Will County, noted that animals cannot speak for themselves. He said, "When we hear about somebody doing something like this to animals, we know they can’t speak for themselves, so we have to speak for them." Silverman emphasized that all information provided to Crime Stoppers remains confidential.
The funding for the reward comes from two sources. Jay Bergman, chairman and president of First Secure Bank Group, initially contributed $5,000. Bergman said, "I hope somebody would come forward for the reward but more importantly whoever would torture and kill six small dogs has a problem. We got to get this sicko off the streets."
Peter Cangelosi, founder and CEO of Pets and Vets USA, recently added $20,000 to the pool. Cangelosi has been rescuing and training pit bulls as service dogs for veterans since 2013. He stated, "It broke my heart that these animals went through such torture and their demise so they need a voice." He also noted that some dogs he rehabilitates take six or seven years to recover from trauma.
Crimestoppers of Will County is asking residents to call 800-323-6734, text, or visit their website to submit tips.
