Puppy, 3-month-old pitbull mix, shot in face on Cleveland's east side

CLEVELAND - Animal control officers in Cleveland were called to the Gay Avenue Monday after someone reported a 3-month-old pitbull mix had been shot in the face.

The Humane Society of the United States is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the crime.

Apparently, the pup had been shot at least four times in the right side of her face, animal control said.

Immediately after finding the puppy, she underwent surgery before she was taken to the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter. Rescuers said the pup's injuries may have left her blind.

“It still baffles me how someone could do this to a small animal… It breaks my heart. It really does. Because as you can see, she’s sweet. And why someone would do something like this is beyond me,” said Steven Chapman with the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

This weekend, the kennel is releasing the puppy, who has yet to be named, to a the foster home PAWS. The pup is very mild mannered and a bit shy, but is happy now and wags her tail.

The APL is investigating the incident and said the puppy is not yet available for adoption. PAWS will keep her until she's fully recovered.

If you know anything about the puppy being shot, you can anonymously call humane officers at 216-377-1630.