People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the death of a dog found New Year's Eve in a ditch along Highway 48 between Gaston and Pleasant Hill.

The dog, a 10-pound black puppy, appeared to have a broken neck and duct tape had been wrapped around her muzzle.

PETA said in a press release authorities speculate that the animal might have been used as bait in dogfighting. The Humane Society of the United States believes the dog's snout may have been taped to prevent it from defending itself while it was being tortured.

"There is reason for the community to be concerned when dogs are being tortured or possibly stolen for use as bait in dogfights," says PETA Director Martin Mersereau. "Dogfighting is almost invariably associated with drugs, weapons, and illegal gambling. Research in psychology and criminology reveals a consistent pattern of cruelty to animals among perpetrators of violence toward humans."

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call the Northampton County Sheriff's Office at 252-534-2611 or PETA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-566-9768.