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FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. -- The reward for information in a Forsyth County dog cruelty case has nearly doubled thanks to money from the Humane Society of the United States.

$9,500 is now being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Scottie.

Scottie was an Australian Shepherd who belonged to a Germanton family. They found the dog beaten, tortured and shot to death at their home on Stafford Mill Road after coming home from out of town.

Scottie's owner Joy Caudle told FOX8 an autopsy showed Scottie had cuts on his legs, trauma to his brain and pancreas, and broken ribs. They also believe he was dragged. The cause of death was due to multiple gunshot wounds.

"It just makes you think, if they can do this to an animal, what can they do to a small child that's helpless? Or an elderly [person] in the community?" questioned Caudle.

That's exactly what animal advocate Jennifer Tierney is worried about. In a press update Monday, she shared FBI research that says murderers and rapists often show violent tendencies early in life by torturing animals.

"Because abusers target the powerless: crimes against animals, spouses, children and the elderly oftentimes do go hand in hand," Tierney explained. "A survey of psychiatric patients who had repeatedly tortured dogs and cats found that all of them had high levels of aggression toward people as well."

Caudle pleaded, "Somebody please, tell us who did this so we can get some justice for Scottie."

She said they found ATV tracks coming onto and off of their property where Scottie was dumped.

Tierney believes "money will talk." She encourages anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 336-727-2800.