County department of Animal Services Spirit, a 10-week-old terrier mix, faces quite a bit of veterinarian care before being available for adoption. Reward increased SAN DIEGO – The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the man who beat Spirit, a terrier mix puppy, has increased to $4,000, said officials with the Department of Animal Services. A third person made the $2,000 donation. It is being added to the $2,000 reward being offered by the San Diego Animal Advocates and the San Diego-based Animal Rescue and Protection League ... both private groups. – U-T Breaking News Team

SAN DIEGO – X-rays on a puppy that survived a brutal beating at the U.S.-Mexico border show the animal suffered multiple fractures to her right back leg, county officials said Tuesday.

A veterinary specialist will examine the 10-week-old terrier mix on Wednesday to decide how best to treat the injuries, said Dawn Danielson, director of the county Department of Animal Services.

Video from U.S. Border Patrol surveillance cameras last week showed a man striking the dog at least 10 times with his fist and trying to strangle the puppy and beating it against the fence, Danielson said. The man then jumped back across the barrier.

“This is by far the most horrific video I have ever seen of an animal being abused,” Danielson said.

The puppy, which has been named “Spirit,” has been loving and affectionate with animal services staff, she said.

A Border Patrol agent rescued the dog, which was taken to the county animal shelter in Bonita. When recovered, it will be put up for adoption.

Two private groups, San Diego Animal Advocates and the San Diego-based Animal Rescue and Protection League, have offered a reward of $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lt. Dan DeSousa of county animal services at (619) 767-2624.

Donations for the pup's medical care can be mailed to the Department of Animal Services, 5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110. They can also be made on the county Web site at sddac.com/donations.asp.

 Breaking News Team: (619) 293-1010; breaking@uniontrib.com