A $5,000 reward is being offered for information about those responsible for butchering a puppy’s ears.

The 6-week-old puppy was found bloodied, freezing and nearly dead on the side of a road in La Cienega last week. The mixed-breed dog was taken to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society, where veterinarians quickly went to work on his injuries.

Veterinarian Jennifer Skeketee said blood was splattered all over the dog’s neck, chest and legs. The injury would just as painful as if somebody “cut off your own ear. I mean there is no difference,” she said.

The mutilated puppy may have been targeted as a bait dog, officials said. So-called bait dogs are often used to train dogs how to fight. The ears are often cut so the fighting dog – usually a pit bull -- will learn how to attack a dog with cropped ears.

The puppy was likely abandoned or escaped when those responsible realized the poor job they had done on his ears. He was dumped on side of the road, where a newspaper delivery person alerted authorities.

The dog is recovering from his injuries and is now in foster care, shelter officials said. He’ll be available for adoption in a few weeks.

Those responsible could face serious animal cruelty charges. The shelter hopes the reward will help bring justice for the dog, now named Petie. “Brutality like this doesn’t stop with pets,” shelter officials said.

Those with information are asked to call the shelter at 983-4309 ext. 139.