Parker County Family Adopts Tortured Dog

Reward reaches $35,000 for information leading to arrest

Hope, the young pug-mix found with a swollen tongue and a taped mouth, has a new family.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler says Parker County residents, Charlie and Kit Moncrief adopted her. He also said the Moncriefs will welcome Hope after she is released from her medical care.

"I have known the Moncrief family for many, many years," Sheriff Fowler said. "I can't think of a better family for Hope to belong to. She will think she is in heaven at her new home with her new family."

Hope was found Monday after someone used electrical tape to forcefully shut her mouth after pulling out her tongue, police said.

Vets at the Bowie Drive Animal Hospital said it took more than 100 internal and external stitches to close five open wounds that were one- to five-inches in length, through the muscle tissue. Originally unable to eat or drink, Hope  underwent surgery and was given pain killers an IV and antibiotics.

She is now able to eat and drink on her own, although her tongue has not fully healed.

Due to an outpouring of support, there are two rewards totaling $35,000. Parker County Crimestoppers guarantees a $10,000 reward and an anonymous donor has come forward to offer a $25,000 reward through the Texas Humane Alliance.

"This is horrendous," said Larry Fowler, Parker County Sheriff. "I can't imagine what would bring a person to such an evil act. We are fortunate to have found her when we did. Our investigators have seen some pretty terrible things in their careers, but this case is deeply disturbing and leaves us shocked."

Fowler added that evidence found on Hope have been submitted to an area crime lab for analysis.

"Anyone with any information is strongly urged to contact us," Fowler said. "We are treating this case with the highest priority."

Cruelty and torture of a non-livestock animal is a state jail felony.

Anyone with information about Hope is asked to call the Parker County Sheriff's Department at 817-596-8845 or the Parker County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 817-599-5555.  Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible to receive the reward.

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