Pet Beagle Found Skinned Alive, $8,000 Reward Put Up for Information: 'It's Completely Heartbreaking to Imagine the Suffering This Dog Endured'

Police in Missouri have increased the financial reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for skinning a pet beagle alive last week.

A $5,000 reward has been issued by the Humane Society of the United States, while the Neosho Police Department confirmed this week its total had been raised from $1,000 to $3,000. Officials hope the $8,000 will help to surface information about the "cruel and thoughtless torture."

For investigators, the case has been a gruesome one. It all started last Monday, when officers in Newton County responded to an area of Greenwood Boulevard after receiving a call about suspected animal abuse.

Upon arrival, they located a female beagle with about 75 percent of its skin removed while it was still alive.

After catching the injured animal and talking with local veterinary experts, it was decided that the small dog, which had been skinned from the neck down, would have to be euthanized in order to end its suffering.

"It takes a truly callous person to skin a dog alive and it's completely heartbreaking to imagine the suffering this dog endured," said Amanda Good, state director for the Humane Society. "We hope that this reward will encourage anyone with information about this terrible crime to come forward, not only to help seek justice for this animal but also ensure the safety of the entire community."

The beagle was traced to owners who lived at the 1300 block of Lou Ida Drive. It is believed the dog had escaped from their Newton County home while they were out of town for the day. "When the owners left town the dog was not in its mutilated state," authorities confirmed.

They has been attending a sporting event on the day of the incident, according to local media outlet The Joplin Globe. When the owners left the dog was reportedly still inside the residence. "We don't think anyone broke in and took her. We just think it got out." said police lieutenant Jason Baird.

The beagle was found by police officers after a local resident spotted it emerging from a wooded area. Baird told The Joplin Globe it appeared to be in a lot of pain.

The owners have not been identified by law enforcement. It remains unclear how many people are believed to be responsible for causing the injuries. The investigation continues.

"The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented by scientists, criminologists and the law enforcement and medical fields," the Humane Society said in a release this week, referring to the suspect's profile. "Studies establish a clear link between animal cruelty and many other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault."

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Neosho Police Department at 417-451-8012 or The Newton County Sheriff's Department at 417-451-8300.