EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence Department’s Detective and Animal Control units are actively investigating a case of animal cruelty in the Riverside section of the city after a canine died under what is alleged to be “suspicious circumstances.”

EPPD Public Information Officer Lieutenant Michael Rapoza issued a release over the weekend, on January 28, noting the beginnings of the inquiry. The department was actually made aware of the case on January 25.

A Lakeside Avenue resident told officers that his Husky, “Niko,” got loose in the morning the previous day, January 24. Later that same evening, Niko was located in the area of Forbes Street and Lunn Street with what appeared to be a minor injury to his head.

Based on initial reports from the veterinarian, Niko was shot with a pellet or small caliber round. According to the report of Lt. Rapoza, Niko unfortunately later passed from his injuries.

Police are seeking surveillance footage in the area of Forbes Street that could assist with the investigation.

Please contact Detective Genevieve O’Connell at 401-435-7600 if you have any information regarding this incident.

On Monday, Jan. 30, the office of Mayor Bob DaSilva announced the administration was accepting donations for a reward leading to the identification of the person or people responsible for the injury/death of Niko.

According to the administration, the city is creating an account for anyone interested in donating funds. The funds will be kept in escrow. If, after a year’s time, the funds have not been dispersed to anyone who assisted in in solving the case, the funds will be donated in Niko’s memory to the Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Anyone wishing to make a donation, may mail or drop off a check to the City of East Providence Mayor’s Office, 145 Taunton Ave., East Providence, RI, 02914. Please make check out to City of East Providence with “Reward Fund for Niko” in the memo line.