The Danville Area Humane Society is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for dumping a puppy behind a restaurant in Danville.

According to Paulette Dean, director of the Humane Society in Danville, she said that someone placed a six-week old puppy in a box, then left it at the dumpster at Red Lobster in Danville.

Paulette Dean said a woman happened to find the puppy, kept him overnight to feed and care for him, and then brought the dog to the Danville shelter early on Thursday morning.

She said the dog is mixed breed puppy, possibly a beagle mix. The puppy is healthy and is eating soft foods and drinking water.

Paulette Dean said that abandonment of a companion animal is illegal in Virginia, and in some cases, the person who abandons the animal could be charged with a charge of animal cruelty.

Convictions are punishable by a jail sentence of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, or a judge can impose both.

If you have any information that can help the Danville Area Humane Society with this case, please contact the Danville Area Humane Society at (434) 799-5306. Callers can remain anonymous.