RAYMOND - The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced the creation of fund Thursday that will enable the organization to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators of cruelty to animals.

The announcement comes in the wake of a shooting in Raymond recently that forced a family to euthanize their black Labrador Retriever, Sable.

Police do not yet know who shot the beloved family dog with a pellet gun and left her for dead on the road near her Sesame Street home.

Her wounds were so severe that despite rushing her to an emergency veterinarian, Sable had to be put down.

Raymond Police say that the shooter could face felony charges. The New Hampshire SPCA said they want to assist the Raymond Police in finding and convicting the people responsible by offering a reward for information.

"This is a terrible tragedy," said Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA. "We hope that by offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this criminal, we can not only honor Sable's life, but also let others who might perpetrate a crime like this know that they won't get away with it. Our hearts go out to Sable's family and hope that in some small way, we are able to help in their healing."

Community members wishing to help the New Hampshire SPCA establish a fund for this purpose can make a tax-deductible contribution to Sable's Fund, c/o New Hampshire SPCA, P.O. Box 196, Stratham 03885; or go to the website at www.nhspca.org.

Anyone with information about the shooting of Sable has been asked to contact the Raymond Police Department at 895-4747.