SALT LAKE CITY, UT (September 26, 2009) NBC Affiliate KSL TV Channel 5’s lead story today reported authorities are seeking those responsible for the beating death of a small, cute, black and white, 10 lb. dog left to die on the family’s front porch. Last night the one-and-a-half-year-old Maltese-poodle mix was playing outside in the family’s backyard. When owners later attempted to call the dog indoors, they found their dog Bandit lying on the front porch, not moving.

Salt Lake City philanthropist Arthur Benjamin, who recently founded American Dog Rescue to find every healthy dog in the country a home, saw the news report and decided to take action.

“It is our civic duty to find and prosecute people who commit acts of blatant animal cruelty to the fullest extent of the law,” Benjamin said. “American Dog Rescue will pay $2000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.”

Utah became the 44th state in the nation to strengthen animal cruelty laws to 3rd degree felony status during the past year. A spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary pointed out how serious such acts of violence to animals are and asked the public for assistance in identifying the guilty parties.

Those with information about Bandit’s death are asked to contact the Clinton, UT Police Department at 801-451-4150.