Horrendous Act of Cruelty: $10,00 reward offered

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Authorities are seeking information on the dragging death of “Jetta,” a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, owned by Melony Patton of Chelsea. The dog’s hind legs were bound, it was tied to a vehicle and dragged to death in Rogers County, according to Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton. A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

September 3, 2012

Horrendous Act of Cruelty: $10,00 reward offered

Reward offered for information in dragging death of family pet

Tom Fink Staff Reporter The Claremore Daily Progress Mon Sep 03, 2012, 05:10 PM CDT

CLAREMORE — Rogers County authorities continue to investigate the dragging death of a Labrador retriever.

According to Rogers County Sheriff Scott Walton, deputies were called Sunday to the report of an injured animal lying on the side of the road in Winganon, just northwest of Chelsea.

Walton said someone had “tied the dog’s legs with wire” and “dragged the animal with a vehicle a little more than a mile” before stopping, leaving behind a trail of “flesh and fur” on the pavement.

“This is disturbing to everyone. There’s nothing which could justify the killing of a dog, particularly in this cruel manner,” Walton said. “I believe there’s a special place in hell for anyone who abuses an animal like that.”

While a motive has yet to be established, officials are hoping someone with knowledge of the incident comes forward immediately.

A $10,000 reward has been offered for tips that lead to the capture of the person or persons responsible.

The reward is being offered by the Humane Society of the United States, the Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, supporters of the Wild Heart Ranch, an animal rehabilitation center in Claremore and Barry Switzer. Walton said the dog’s owner, Melony Patton, said she was “shocked” that anyone would savagely kill a dog with no history of violence towards humans or other animals.”

“I’m angry and sad at the same time. I don’t know why anyone would do this,” Patton said.

Anyone with information about the crime is encouraged to call the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office Tipline at (918) 341-3620.