MOULTRIE — Authorities have no leads yet on the Feb. 16 animal cruelty case in which a mother dog was tied to a tree and left to die as her nine starving puppies tried to fend for themselves along Bob Sims Road. Perhaps a $2,500 reward will bring forth new information.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the dog’s death and the abandonment of the puppies.

Quite a few people have come to the Moultrie animal shelter since The Observer reported the gruesome discovery of the pups surviving off their mother’s remains, but so far only three pups have been adopted out. Humane Society of Moultrie-Colquitt County Director Don Flowers said Friday that he’s amazed the puppies made it through the ordeal healthy.

“We euthanize out here, but I won’t euthanize them because I feel like these puppies have been through enough just trying to survive. I’m doing whatever I can to get them adopted,” Flowers said Friday.

The local Humane Society is investigating the case, but no one has come forward with any information, he said. Flowers hopes that the monetary reward will give some direction to the investigation.

The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented, said a release from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). The HSUS First Strike Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about this connection while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents, said the release. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country.

To adopt a puppy or offer information in this case, contact Don Flowers at the Humane Society of Moultrie/Colquitt County at 985-5463.

On the Internet: www.hsus.org and www.hsus.org/firststrike.