Patch.com

The starving and injured dog was left in a cardboard box in Miami.

MIAMI, FL — Animal rights organization PETA has put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty charges of the person or persons who abandoned a starving and injured dog in Miami last week. The canine was left in a cardboard box at the intersection of Northeast 57 Street and Miami Place in Little Haiti, according to PETA. The dog had to be euthanized because he was so badly injured.

“Last Thursday, just before 1 p.m., a woman made a horrifying discovery: Someone had left a dog inside a cardboard box at the intersection of Northeast 57 Street and Miami Place in Little Haiti,” according to PETA. “The animal was so badly malnourished and injured that he appeared to be dead.”

PETA said that the male dog was suffering from severe encephalitis and brain damage as well as multiple severe cuts around his neck and chest that were infected.

“Veterinarians determined that he had been neglected for some time before he was apparently attacked, and he had to be euthanized because of the extent of his injuries,” PETA officials said.

A white pickup truck was spotted near where the dog was found and the organization did not know whether the vehicle was connected to the incident.

“Police are investigating but have yet to make any arrests in the case, prompting PETA to offer a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction on cruelty-to-animals charges of the person or persons responsible for this crime,” officials added.

PETA is also asking people to help spread the word by posting a free, downloadable poster available here in businesses, schools or other locations.