WEARE, N.H. (AP) – Police are looking for whoever tied up and tortured a poodle during the weekend.

The plight of the little dog has prompted an outpouring of concern and cash.

Barney, who will need plastic surgery and will lose an eye, is being cared for at the Capitol Area Veterinary Emergency Service in Concord, where workers received so many offers of help that they had to set up a “Barney Hot Line” on Wednesday.

Owner Ruth Mariano of Hooksett said she brought Barney with her to visit her mother in Weare during the weekend, but the 12-pound dog was nowhere to be found when it was time to go home.

The dog was found Sunday, horribly injured, with its legs bound and its fur and skin ripped off on one side.

“It seems as though he was dragged somehow,” Animal Control Officer Lonnie Benzel said.

“Anyone who could do that to a small poodle is a very sick individual,” Mariano said. “We’re dealing with a sociopath here. Sociopaths are people without remorse.”

Weare police are investigating the abuse.

“We’re focusing a lot of attention on it because of the heinous nature of the crime,” Police Chief Myles Rigney said. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday afternoon, the department said.

Meanwhile, friends have raised $1,000 in reward money to find the culprit and more people were offering donations for the dog’s care.

Barney, who was being fed through tubes, was doing better Wednesday, although he would need to remain hospitalized for a while, Mariano said.

“He’s doing awesome,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe this little guy. He has such spirit.”

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Hotline: 603-335-7222

AP-ES-08-27-03 1722EDT

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