Smithtown Organization Offers $5,000 In Skinned Dog Investigation

SMITHTOWN, NY — Guardians of Rescue, a Smithtown-based animal rights and welfare organization, along with Animal Aid USA and Dogs on Death Row, is offering $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those who skinned a woman's dog in Alamo, GA, the not-for-profit announced.

Karen Sapir walked outside to her front yard on Monday morning to find her dog, Brownie, laying there, dead and skinned, with additional apparent injuries, according to Guardians of Rescue.

"Clearly, the dog had been killed in a malicious manner, and returned to her front yard for her to find, leaving her horrified," the organization said via press release.

The organization feels it's following a credible lead in the case.

"Seeing the pictures of that dog skinned is one of the most disturbing things to see, and I have seen a lot in my career as an undercover FBI agent," stated Jack Garcia, director of investigations at Guardians of Rescue. "We cannot let the person who did this get away with it. We will do everything we can to investigate this and bring the person to justice who is responsible."

Sapir called the police when she found Brownie, who recently gave birth to puppies. Police initially told Sapir that it appeared to be an animal attack, though they would investigate, Guardians of Rescue said.

But due to the fact Brownie had been brutally killed, with one side of her being skinned and having visible puncture marks and wounds, Sapir and GOR believe there was foul play involved. It also doesn't appear Brownie was involved in a struggle, GOR said.

In addition to investigating the brutal murder of Brownie, GOR would also like the motive investigated. Sapir is an Israeli citizen, and they would like to determine if she was essentially the victim of a hate crime.

Brownie is a lab mix who was a loving family dog, according to GOR. She has puppies and a family that are left devastated by this tragic situation, and they will miss her.

"One look at the very disturbing photos of what happened to this poor dog and it’s clear to us that someone is responsible," adds Garcia. "By offering a reward for credible information that helps us with this case, we feel it will be easier to find the person responsible for such a heinous crime."

Those who have information or tips regarding this crime against Brownie are urged to contact Guardians of Rescue. The organization provides assistance to animals out on the streets and investigates animal cruelty cases. They are located in New York and they help animals in many places around the country. They are also instrumental in helping military members with their pets. To learn more, get involved, or to make a donation to support the Guardians of Rescue, log onto www.guardiansofrescue.org.