Dog allegedly thrown from moving car; $5,000 reward offered for suspect

TULLYTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police in Tullytown are investigating a case of animal cruelty and neglect after a dog was reportedly thrown from a moving vehicle and left on a dark road.

Police say a witness reported seeing the incident Tuesday evening around 6 p.m. along the 8500 block of Old Bristol Pike. According to authorities, the dog was thrown from a car and abandoned.

Tullytown police say the case quickly drew significant attention after they released a photo connected to the investigation.

"We're probably up to about a thousand tips that we got in less than 24 hours," said Officer John Crichton of the Tullytown Police Department.

Crichton said the witness described erratic driving before the dog was ejected from the vehicle.

"A vehicle that was behind the vehicle that had the dog in it, they said the car was acting erratically. Kind of going from left to right. At some point, they saw it come to a little bit of a stop, the door open and the dog came flying out, and then that car took off," Crichton said.

The dog is now receiving care from the Bucks County SPCA. The organization says the animal has visible injuries and requires medical attention.

"She had abrasions to her paws and her nails and paws, and one paw was bleeding. Thankfully, no open wound or broken leg from such a violent act," said Cindy Kelly of the Bucks County SPCA.

Kelly said the dog also has pre-existing medical issues that need treatment, including a large mass near one of her hind legs.

The SPCA is assisting police with the investigation and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

"Animals are not disposable. You can't use them for their own purposes and then chuck them literally out of a moving vehicle," Kelly said.

People who live in the area and animal advocates expressed hope that whoever is responsible will be held accountable.

"It's horrible. It's very sad. Because animals are really very fragile," said Maria Dusia of Chalfont, Pa.

No charges have been filed. Police say they are actively reviewing video from the area and following up on the tips they have received. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullytown Police or the Bucks County SPCA.