VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Author's note: Some viewers may find this story graphic. We do include a full picture of the dog further down in this story, which shows more wounds on his body.
8/1/22 UPDATE: PETA has added to the reward for information about the person who abandoned this dog. They're offering $4,000, along with Virginia Beach Animal Control’s $1,000, for a $5,000 total reward.
ORIGINAL: Virginia Beach Animal Control is trying to figure out who left a male beagle laying on a blanket in Lineberry Park Thursday morning.
The dog was extremely sick. "Due to the condition and ailments the dog was suffering from, he was humanely euthanized," a Facebook post from Animal Control reads.
Officials said he was found at 12:16 a.m. at the park on Kings Point Road, across the road from Bow Creek Golf Course. He was a tri-colored beagle or hound-type dog anywhere from 3 to 8 years old, according to Animal Enforcement Supervisor Meghan Conti.
A photo from Animal Control shows the dog lying on a blanket on his side with a mass near his tail.
"Animal Control is seeking information on who owned the dog and how the dog ended up in the park," they wrote.
"The condition he was in when we picked him up was pretty grave," said Conti.
People who live in the area of the park like Phillip Boyette said they are heartbroken, sickened and angered.
"I've got two dogs of my own. I want to know who left that dog out there like that. It's horrible," Boyette said. "I hope they find the person and lock the person up, plain and simple."
If you think you know anything about the dog's owner, please call Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. You can stay anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
Conti encouraged pet owners who need help to seek help.
"It's concerning that someone would allow it to get that far, without reaching out for assistance," she said.
If you're having trouble affording healthcare for your pet, humanesociety.org suggests looking for nearby colleges that offer veterinary programs to see if students might be able to help you at a discount.
It's also a good idea to check out pet medical insurance, so if your pet becomes seriously ill, you won't have to pay the full cost of their healthcare out of pocket.
Conti said an open-admission, government-run shelter where you live is one resource that can assist if you need to surrender your animal.