PETA offers reward to help solve burned deer case
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced Wednesday the organization will offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those believed to have set a deer on fire after striking it with a vehicle last month in Fulton County.
A passer-by found the deer near the intersection of Ind. 25 and County Road 400 North near Rochester in the early morning of Feb. 16. Police say the deer was still alive when someone poured accelerant on it and set it on fire.
Officers found the animal smoldering on the side of the road and had to put it down at the scene.
PETA is now offering up to $5,000 to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and cruelty to animal conviction of the person or people involved in the incident, according to a news release.
"No animal should experience the agony and terror of being run over, set on fire, and left to burn to death slowly," PETA senior director Stephanie Bell said in the release. "PETA urges anyone with information about this case to come forward immediately."
MURDER TRIAL: Lawrence man found guilty of killing 9-month-old
Indiana conservation officer Jonathon Boyd said officers have received multiple tips and are following up on leads and that the investigation is ongoing. He said he's confident the case will be resolved soon.
Investigators believe the vehicle involved was a blue or black 1992-2002 Camaro, Trans-Am, Firebird or similar model.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to call the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department Crime Stoppers at (574) 223-7867 or Indiana Conservation Officers Turn in a Poacher Line at (800) TIP-IDNR.
Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at (317) 444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.