AN animal rights charity has increased its reward from £2,000 to £5,000 to help find the 'twisted individual' responsible for beating a dog to death in Leigh.

The lifeless body of Roxy, a three-year-old brown Bullmastiff cross, was discovered in a stream at Lilford Park on March 20.

Her jaw was tied together and she had suffered a broken nose and a host of other injuries in a brutal beating.

More than 100 people and their dogs went to a vigil for Roxy at Lilford Park last Saturday, April 9, and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is offering the new reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for her brutal death.

A spokesman for PETA, said: "To help find the twisted individual apparently still not apprehended, the group has now increased its reward to a substantial £5,000."

PETA associate director Elisa Allen said: “It’s imperative that any community faced with sadistic and violent acts like this take measures to find the culprits and bring them to justice, which is why we are adding to our reward.

“Animal abusers are a danger to everyone: they take their issues out on whomever is available to them – human or non-human – and must be caught before they act again.”

The vigil was organised by Atherton-based animal rescue and neutering centre Neutering4Paws, who were called to pick up Roxy's body from Lilford Park.

More than 100 people turned up to lay flowers in the stream where Roxy was found.

Tracey McMahon, who is a founder and trustee of the centre, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that an organisation like PETA has got involved to get justice for Roxy.

“People will now take notice of the severity of the situation after so many people in the community already grouped together for her vigil.

“I just hope now that Roxy will get the justice she deserves.”

PETA urges residents to report any suspected cases of cruelty to animals to the RSPCA.

If you suspect that an animal is being mistreated contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018. For more information about helping animals visit peta.org.uk.