Humane Society of US offers up to $5,000 reward in dog abuse, neglect case of Lorain pooch Herbie

LORAIN, Ohio - Up to a $5,000 reward is being offered by the Humane Society of the United States for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for abusing and neglecting Lorain pit bull, Herbie.

Herbie was found on Dec. 2 barely alive in the 800 block of West 11th Street. When authorities found him, he weighed only 25 pounds when he should've weighed 75 pounds.

Officials believe Herbie had previously been abused, neglected and dumped. He was found with a fractured skull and other injuries, eyes swollen shut and unable to walk or stand up on his own.

"The suffering experienced by this poor dog is unconscionable. Herbie was abused and left for dead," wrote Karen Minton, state director of HSUS in a news release. "This is one of many horrific cases of animal cruelty that occur in our state each year. These crimes should raise awareness that Ohio can no longer afford to be one of the weakest states in the nation in punishing these heinous crimes. We hope our reward helps find the person or persons who committed this despicable act."

The Lorain Animal Clinic is caring for Herbie and notes his improvements almost daily on their website.

As of Wednesday, workers at the clinic said Herbie is up to 48 pounds and his head swelling is "really starting to improve."

"His is really enjoying his trips outside! His tail really wags!" the post said.

On Thursday morning, clinic workers took Herbie outside to enjoy the sunshine. "He has made several trips out and wags his tail each time!"

Anyone with information about Herbie's neglect can anonymously call the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2555.

Donations for Herbie can be sent to the Wood Foundation in care of Lorain Animal Clinic. The Wood Foundation is located at 4205 Oberlin Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44053. It's a non-profit that provides care for injured and abused animals.