Last Updated on 5/24/2013

Published on 7/11/2012

Two dogs dead, one left for dead, and whoever is responsible is still on the loose.
But the reward money which will be given to whoever provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the dog killer is adding up.
The hunt for the criminal began when a black Lab was found July 2 in the International Paper Co. canal along Brick Chimney Road with her legs and mouth taped. Luckily, she was rescued and is recovering at the Saint Frances Animal Center where she has been named Dara.
At about noon Thursday, a 29-year-old Andrews man called 911 and said he was fishing when he “smelled and saw two floating objects in the water and when he checked closer he found two deceased dogs.”
The report says the dogs looked to “have come from upstream and gotten stuck there.”
Just as with Dara, the muzzles and legs of the dogs – a large yellow Lab mix and a smaller Boykin Spaniel – were bound with duct tape.
Because of the state of decomposition, it’s believed the dogs had been dead from three to seven days. This means it’s possible they could have been placed in the water at the same time as Dara.
The cause of death was undetermined.
A $2,500 reward for the information is being offered by Saint Frances, and the Humane Society of the United States has offered an additional $2,500 reward.
Saint Frances director Wendy Goude said Pet Helpers of Charleston gave the first $200 to get the  center’s reward fund started. She also said donations are being accepted to help increase the reward.
 Goude said she believes the bigger the reward “our chances increase in catching this person.”
“Only an especially depraved person could commit such a malicious act of cruelty toward multiple animals,” said Kim Kelly, South Carolina director of the Humane Society. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about this heinous crime.”
Goude said investigators think Dara and the other two dogs were dumped in the canal at the same time and Dara is now evidence, so to speak, in the investigation into the dog deaths. Goude said because of that she is unsure when Dara can be placed for adoption, although more than 300 people have expressed interest in adopting her.
Anyone with information about who may be responsible for these crimes should call the Sheriff’s Office at 546-5102.
To donate to the reward fund or to help with Dara’s medical expenses, go to www.sfanimals.org, call Saint Frances at 546-0780, or stop by the center at 125 Ridge Street in Georgetown.

By Scott Harper
sharper@gtowntimes.com