The fire caused Riona, a one-year-old puppy who weighed around 35 pounds, to lose the majority of her left ear. Her left eye, though, was miraculously spared. She currently receives sedative-assisted full body wraps twice a day for more than an hour in order to shield her sensitive skin from infection. She is fortunately still infection-free, and next week will see the start of the first of many skin grafts.

The intentionality of this crime infuriated Mallory McLemore, vet tech manager at Bluff City Veterinary Specialists, who said, “Someone did this intentionally.” You can’t simply have someone like that out there.” The prize for information, which is financed by internet donations as Riona’s story gains widespread attention, keeps growing as the inquiry goes on.

It’s important to keep in mind that some types of animal abuse are classified as federal offenses and carry a maximum seven-year prison sentence. Although the Memphis Police Department has stated that no one has been taken into custody, Riona’s justice is still a high priority. Riona’s tale is a sobering reminder that, as a country, we must stand together against injustice and for justice and compassion during these difficult times. We are all motivated to fight cruelty and pursue justice by Riona’s tenacity and the outpouring of support from a compassionate public.