MARATHON, N.Y. -- A $16,500 reward has been offered in the case of two dogs that were thrown from a moving vehicle Wednesday morning on Interstate 81 near the southern border of Cortland County.

New York State Police in Homer are searching for the occupants of the SUV, which was described as an older model blue or dark blue Dodge Durango, according to a truck driver who witnessed the incident. The SUV driver slowed down as a passenger rolled down a rear window and threw two beagle-mix dogs out of the vehicle, troopers said.

The incident took pace at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Marathon.

The truck driver, from Syracuse, immediately pulled over to the median and ran to the rescue the dogs. At that time, troopers who were patrolling the area located the semi-truck pulled over, with the door open. As the troopers investigated, they spotted the truck driver carrying one badly injured dog and a second dog following. Troopers immediately rendered assistance.

A state police K9 handler also arrived on scene and bandaged the injured dog to stop bleeding and splinted its leg while other troopers kept the dog warm in a warming blanket and the truck driver’s sweatshirt.

The Broome County Humane Society took possession of the dogs. One dog named “Trooper” had his leg amputated but is doing well, state police said. The other dog named “Adam," after the truck driver, is said to be doing well.

Just thought we would share a few more pictures of Trooper! Enjoy! #hesatrooper Posted by The Broome County Humane Society on Monday, December 17, 2018

The Cortland County SPCA joined the investigation and are assisting state police in locating the people responsible. Several local, state and national animal welfare agencies and private donors are now offering the reward leading to the conviction of those responsible.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund donated $10,000, People for Ethical Treatment of Animals donated $5,000, the New York State Humane Association donated $1,000 and a private donation of $500 was received.

Troopers asked anyone with information to call (607) 749-1614.