Crime & Safety

'Simpsons' Show Co-Creator Gives $10,000 to Reward in Cruelty Case

The case of the dog struck abused with an ax or machete has gained national attention. Bradenton's animal lovers have stepped up to pay for his ongoing medical care.

Sam Simon, the Emmy-winning television writer who helped create the "The Simpsons," has contributed $10,000 to the reward for the capture and conviction of the person who split a dog's head open and then left him to wander the streets with his injuries.

Simon, who is a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, added to the reward already offered by radio host Bubba The Love Sponge, Gary Kompothecras of 1-800-Ask-Gary, Kids Serve and No Kill Manatee.

The total reward offered for the arrest and conviction of the person who abused Axel now stands at $13,600.

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Simon found out about the case through Bubba the Love Sponge,  who recently talked about the case on his show, based out of Tampa.

Sue Kolze, who is on the Board of Director's for Animal Network Inc., said the reward is likely to prompt someone to turn in the person who used an ax or machete to injure Axel; the blade went into his sinus cavity.

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"We need to put a stop to the animal cruelty that takes place in Manatee County," Kolze said. "The county's citizens, state attorney's office, the sheriff's office and police department are all working together to put a stop to this animal cruelty. Those who mistreat animals will understand we will not tolerate it here."

There's no question about Simon's goal, according to Todd Clem, better known as Bubba the Love Sponge.

 “If this doesn’t flesh out this dirt bag, nothing will” said Bubba The Love Sponge, Clem. “Sam Simon is a great man.”

Kolze said the community has come together to help pay for Axel's medical care as well. In just four days the community has raised $1,400 to pay for the surgery that helped save Axel's life. They are still working to raise more money for his ongoing medical care. Any extra money raised will be used to help care for other injured or abused animals in Manatee County.

Beach Veterinary Clinic has Axel in its care while he is recovering from surgery. He has also tested heartworm positive and will need treatments for that. The clinic will also neuter Axel once he has finished recovering from the surgery to repair his injuries. 

Kolze said the community has been keeping up with Axel's progress, calling the veterinary clinc and even stopping by to check on him. They have also been going to his Facebook Page, which has more than 660 fans.

"There is simply an outpouring for this dog," Kolze said.

His rescuers believe that before Axel was injured he had been used in dog fighting in the community. Old scars on Axel are indicative of healed wounds from dog fighting, she said.

See Previous Stories About Axel's Plight

Animal Network Offers $500 Reward in Cruelty Case
Severely Abused Dog Doing Well in Recovery


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