An outpour of support for a Vinemont family pet has led to nation-wide attention, gathering reward money from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and Birmingham- based Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation.

“Animal abusers are cowards,” said PETA cruelty caseworker Kristin DeJournett. “They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them. Area residents have reason to be concerned. According to leading mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies, perpetrators of violent acts against animals are often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to all animals, including humans.”

Cullman Area Animal Welfare Association President Linda Morgan said the Justice for Annie fund, which was set up Monday with fellow animal lovers Friends of Cullman Animal Shelter (FOCAS), has grown from $200 to more than $6,000 in the last two days. She said she hopes it will lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for skinning the three-year-old beagle, Anne.

Cullman County Sheriff Tyler Roden said he was pleased to see residents of Cullman along with PETA, which has issued a $2,500 reward, and the American Humane Society and Friends of Cats and Dogs Foundation, which offered a $1,000 reward, get involved to help capture the perpetrator.

“We are very pleased to receive support from a variety of organizations and residents,” Roden said. “It is encouraging and I hope it will help bring this case to a successful conclusion.”

Roden said the sheriff’s office is actively investigating the case and once autopsy results from the animal are available, the information will be made public.

Roden asked anyone with information about the case to call investigators at 734-0342 or the secret witness tip-line at 734-0210.