of its misery yesterday -- as officers began to make inroads into the investigation.

Animal rescuers have vowed to find the owners of the four-month-old bitch who was found with the worst case of mange, officially known as demadex, they had ever come across on the Island.

Two different vets inspected the puppy, and both said it would have been inhumane to try to treat her.

Veterinary surgeon Andrew Madeiros appealed in The Royal Gazette for the owners to come forward. But yesterday lunchtime, it was decided that the puppy, which had a broken hind leg and no fur whatsoever left on its body, should be put down.

SPCA inspector Charles Whited said after the photograph of the sick pup appeared in the newspaper, he was inundated with concerned dog-lovers who wanted to help.

As a result, one woman offered a $500 reward for information leading to the conviction of the owners, who could be prosecuted for failing to get the terrier medical attention.

And an anonymous caller gave a tip off to the animal inspector about the possible identity of its callous owner.

Yesterday, Mr. Whited said Police had been informed and were investigating the information.

The inspector added: "We fully support the decision of the vets. It would have been even more cruel to allow the puppy to live on.

"The skin disease was at such an advanced stage, it would have been inhumane to treat her.

"It has been a very sad case, so we would appeal to anyone with information to come forward. We will find the owners of the dog, we ask everyone to help.'' Dog experts said they were seeing an increase in the number of pets suffering from mange. It is a condition whereby skin mites get under the skin, irritating the dog and causing it to itch and subsequently scratch.

It is not certain whether it can be cured, but it can be treated and the dogs can be made to feel more comfortable. But those left, such as this puppy, deteriorate very quickly and scratch at themselves until they have no fur left and only scabs in its place.

The condition is hereditary and is often passed to unborn puppies by their mothers, so entire litters can be infected. It cannot, however, be passed from dog to dog through contact only.

However, the increased number of pit bull terriers on the Island and the frequency of indiscriminate breeding, has led the SPCA and vets to believe that many more dogs in Bermuda will be suffering from the intolerable disease.

Anyone with information should call Police on 295-0011, the SPCA on 236-7333 or 296-3158, or Crime Stoppers on 1-800-623-8471. Information will be treated in confidence.