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GASTON – A fire here on Oct. 22 that resulted in the death of 13 dogs has been ruled as arson and a reward is offered for information on who is responsible.

Deputies with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office responded at 1:35 p.m. that day to what was initially reported as a structure fire at a location outside of Gaston off NC Highway 46. Upon arrival and investigation, it was determined that several dog kennels, housing 13 Beagles, were burned. Due to the fire, these dogs were found to be deceased within the kennel enclosure.

“These animals died a senseless and cruel death as they had no way of escaping the harsh fire that consumed their kennels,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

No evidence has been developed thus far to aid in the investigation.

Anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of the person(s) responsible can share that info anonymously on Northampton County Crime Stoppers website at http://www.northamptoncountycrimestoppers.org or contact Detective Sgt. W. Killian at Northampton County Sheriff’s Office (252-534-2611).

The owner of the dogs is offering a $1,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved with setting this deadly fire.