Toronto Crime Stoppers helps humans and now it’s helping animals.

Just like with other crimes, people can phone in tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers and qualify for a reward of up to $2,000.

Yvonne Russell launched the program called Paw Tipsters in Winnipeg last year, inspired by the story of her own rescue dog.

“He was found in a really, really bad state. He was severely neglected, severely malnourished on the verge of actually dying. That’s what Animal Services thought.”

Toronto Crime Stoppers chair Gary Grant said animal abuse has always been on Crime Stoppers’ radar but this takes it up a notch.

He also said says a lot of people hesitate to call but with the cash reward should make a difference.

Russell started the program in Winnipeg last summer but she wants to go national.

The hotline is 416-222-TIPS or 1-800-222-TIPS.