Reward climbs to $14,000 in Kingsport dog abuse case

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WCYB) — Donations from the community have increased a reward to $14,000 in connection to the case of a severely abused German Shepard mix named "Church" in Kingsport.

The incident was seen on surveillance video from the parking lot of Gospel Mission Church on Lone Star Road. Two people in a white car tied the dog to the bumper and dragged it. Deputies have been following leads since it happened in January.

The dog is in the care of veterinarians at Andes-Straley Veterinary Hospital after its paws and wrists suffered severe injuries. Donations from community members are covering Church's treatment cost.

The investigation is delaying the dog from getting adopted.

You can contact the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office with information about the case at 423-279-7330.