Reward increases in killing of two dogs

Dan Kulin

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2002 | 8:42 a.m.

Information that helps convict whoever duct-taped the legs of two dogs and threw the pets into a pool behind a North Las Vegas home is now worth $7,000.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced Monday it is offering $1,000 for information that leads to a conviction in the case.

Last week police and local animal groups announced a $6,000 reward for such information. PETA's reward is separate from the $6,000.

"The sooner we bring this person to justice the better. People who abuse animals usually move on to abuse humans," said Martin Mersereau, a PETA cruelty case worker based in Norfolk, Va.

Of the $6,000 reward announced last week, $1,000 came from the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Heaven Can Wait, Media Partners for Pets and the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society. Police would not say who offered $5,000 of the reward.

North Las Vegas Police Lt. Victor Dunn said Monday there are no new developments in the case.

The two dogs were found floating in an above-ground swimming pool behind a two-story home on Agave Avenue. The first dog was found on Sept. 21 and the second on Sept. 24. Police believe both dogs were in the pool at the same time, but the second dog went unseen because of the cloudy water.

Dog owner Gino Archuleta has said he doesn't know who killed his two boxers but believes it was an isolated incident.

"The police said it was something that was planned. They never tried to break in. They just killed the dogs and left," Archuleta said last week.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the incident call 633-9111 or Secret Witness at 385-5555.