LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The shocking case of animal abuse that sparked anger and heartbreak in the Las Vegas Valley is now doing the same across the country.
Reba the bulldog’s story went viral after she was found inside a taped-shut tote bin during triple-digit temperatures. Now, a viral sensation plans to spread the word and donate big money to the Vegas Pet Rescue Project.
That would be Haliey Welch, otherwise known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl”, and the creator of Paws Across America, which helps raise awareness, advocacy, and financial assistance to animal charities nationwide.
“I have a really big platform, so we try and post for whichever animal shelter we’re going to and try to get some word out for them,” Welch said.
This time, it will be the Vegas Pet Rescue Project’s turn.
The foundation and local vets worked tirelessly to save Reba the bulldog, but unfortunately, complications of heat stroke took their toll on the animal.
This form of abuse didn’t sit well with Welch. “It breaks your heart like you just got people out in the world that just hurt animals. It’s not right.”
She doesn’t talk about money in interviews but says she’s made a lot of it since going viral unexpectedly. During her recent visit, Welch said that helping the nonprofit financially is a priority.
But with 2.5 million followers on Instagram, posting about Reba and other shelter animals wouldn’t hurt either.
Someone else with a big voice (literally) is local radio personality, Chet Buchanan. Buchanan and his radio team helped keep Reba’s story going this Labor Day Weekend at Terrible’s locations across town.
MORE: Las Vegas radio personality seeks justice for Reba the bulldog
“The t-shirts were gone like that, and 10,000 flyers, ‘we said 10,000 that’s insane.’ Those are all gone and being put up all over the valley. So somebody’s got to know something.”
Buchanan is hopeful the current $50,000 reward will help someone come forward with information that leads to the arrest of Reba’s abuser. But Buchanan knows Welch’s influence won’t hurt, either.
“She’s one of those people that people watch what she does and people are interested in the things that she’s interested in.”
Buchanan says despite their presence around the valley, Metro’s Animal Cruelty Division says there are still no new leads.
To learn more about Reba and the #JusticeForReba movement, visit www.justiceforreba.org.
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