An investigation conducted by the Ohio Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ohio SPCA) has confirmed that the black and white 6-9 month old Pit Bull pup was shot.The body of the dog and a wire cage were discovered along a remote road off Union Lane that leads to the Pleasant Valley Wildlife area. The Ohio SPCA retrieved the dog’s body and had a necropsy performed at the Ohio State University. “Results of the necropsy have confirmed that the dog, now named Jane, died from a bullet wound that penetrated the thoracic wall, lungs, and heart,” states Teresa Landon, Ohio SPCA Executive Director. Liver fractures also indicate that Jane most likely sustained blunt force trauma to her abdomen. “We are of the opinion that Jane was physically abused prior to being shot and killed,” continues Landon.It is believed that the dog was transported in her cage to the area. An examination of the cage and its contents indicate that the pup was shot in the cage and as a result of thrashing about, broke through the back of the cage and dropped dead just a few feet away. The dog’s cage, containing a blanket and pillow, was full of feces and debris.Ohio SPCA volunteer animal cruelty investigators have returned to the area twice and knocked on doors in an effort to obtain possible leads on the dog’s owner. A Ross County rescue group, Pound Bound and Found, is offering a $500 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of Jane’s killer. The Ohio SPCA will double this amount bringing the total to $1,000. “We all want the person who abused and killed this Pit Bull to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Instead of contacting a shelter or rescue for help, this person chose to abuse and kill Jane,” states Landon.Anyone having information about what happened to this dog or who its owner is, should contact the Ohio SPCA by email atOhioSPCA@frontier.com or 740-420-2984.

Text.