(Jan. 23, 2009) -- At late afternoon, LBFD released the following:

Date: Friday, January 23, 2009

Subject: Update: Arson Fire with Dog Fatality

The veterinarian's findings indicate suffocation in the bag; we are inclined to think that this is an intentional act, and could fall under Penal Code 597: Crimes Against Animals. If this is the case, we might find ourselves filing a second count felony of animal cruelty and will need to collect as much information as possible from subjects/witnesses that are identified.

The results of the Necropsy were received at approximately 1820 hours [6:20 p.m.] on 01/22/09

The report indicates the Chihuahua type dog was an intact male, approximately 1-2 years of age

The impound record indicates the animal was scanned with a device to detect microchip identification - none found All indications are that the dog was deceased prior to being set on fire, however there are indications that the likely cause of death was suffocation inside the plastic bag

There was no evidence of any type of additional trauma and the internal organs appeared normal. The dog had a full stomach prior to its death.

A review of all formal investigations dating back to October of 2008 did not reveal any connections nor were there any animals matching the description

A review of all officers logs from January 19-21, 2009 did not reveal any connections to this incident

A review of the lost and found information dating back to October of 2008 did not reveal any connections to the dog in question

Currently there is no evidence to indicate that this incident is connected to any other arson fires involving dogs in the past.

As previously reported by LBReport.com, the "Haute Dogs" animal events/welfare organization www.hautedogs.org is now offering a $1,000 reward -- and its Exec. Dir. Justin Rudd says he will personally add another $1,000 to any reward money being offered -- for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the crime.

As LBReport.com first reported yesterday, fliers are also being put up and a telephone "hotline" has been set up, seeking the public's help in solving a suspected arson.

LBFD flier

In a release, LBFD says that fliers distributed "at local schools in the area and throughout the community" ask for the community's help.

An Arson Hotline has also been established at (562) 570-2582 where anyone with information about the dog, owner, or a suspect can provide information.

In November 2006, two Chihuahua dogs were apparently burned to death while alive in an animal cage in a NW LB alley (area 200 E. Barclay). That earlier case wasn't solved despite rewards offered totaling $15,000.