Reward offered for info on suspect who shot and killed dog in Lehigh Acres

Authorities are searching for the person who put two puncture wounds to the head of a Labrador Retriever on Sunday in Lehigh Acres. The dog, Ruby, had to be euthanized due to the severity of her injury.

While four-wheeling, Jarrod Salisbury and his friend found the injured Labrador Retriever Sunday afternoon in a remote area near Hynes Ave. and E. 17th St. in Lehigh Acres.

“She was in rough shape,” Salisbury said. “She was struggling to breathe, panting very heavily. We gave her some water. She drinks as much water as we had. She cleaned out our cooler. We tried to make her as comfortable as possible.”

They called 911. When Lee County Domestic Animal Services arrived, they discovered the dog was chipped. Whether she is a pet or a stray, Salisbury told WINK News her life is precious.

“It was an animal, not a person,” Salisbury said. “But in my eyes, it’s just as bad.”

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office activity report, the tan and white female Labrador Retriever appeared unalert and injured, with a puncture wound above the right eye and below the right jaw. Older scars were also on the legs and stomach. Nearby where Ruby was found was an area of dried blood on the ground, a blue nylon leash and a brass casing.

The Labrador Retriever was taken to Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital, where she later was euthanized, as her injuries were too severe.

“I spelled it out, across the county, on billboards.  If you abuse an animal, you’re going to jail,” stated Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

LCSO will be conducting a joint investigation with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office to find the person responsible for this heinous felony.

“I’ve been in contact with Hendry County Sheriff Steve Whidden,” Marceno added.  “We will be working jointly with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office and we will devote any and all resources to making an arrest in this case.”

Should you have any information regarding this incident, you are asked to call the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at (239) 477-1000 or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

Please direct all media requests to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“I was really hoping she would pull through and she would’ve had a home,” Salisbury said to Reporter Nicole Gabe when she broke the news of Ruby’s death to him. “I would’ve covered her bills, taking her in, that’s what she would’ve deserved.”

Salisbury hopes LCSO deputies find the person who took Ruby’s life.

“Somebody needs to be held accountable,” Salisbury said.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to call SWFL Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000. Tips may also be made online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.