RCMP have suspects in hunt for Nero the puppy's assailants

Saskatchewan RCMP say they have several suspects in their hunt for the people who set Nero on fire last month.

The puppy, who was adopted by a family in Okotoks on Friday, is settling into his new home in time for the holidays. But while things may be calming down for him, police are still working hard to find those responsible for trying to hurt him.

"We do have some suspects identified and we're working on locating them and questioning them," said Cpl. David Vanghel with the Saskatchewan RCMP.

Nero was brought to the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) in CalgaryNov. 8 and has been recovering there over the past sixweeks.

AARCS, along with a number of donors, have posted a $5,000 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or personswho committed the "heinous crime."

According to AARCS, shelter staff were flooded with offers from those wanting todonate to or adoptthe little puppy.

"Normally we'd get one or two and some dogs we'vehad up for adoption for a long time so this is an anomaly for sure, to have that many people wanting this one little puppy," saidAARCSexecutive directorDeanna Thompson.

"He was so young when he went through this trauma and it really touched people's hearts,so they wanted to be able to give him that home."

Nero heads toOkotoks

AARCS says they are hoping people who wanted to adopt Nero will consider adopting some of the other animals at the shelter who also need homes this Christmas.

The Seth family, who were chosen by AARCS to adopt Nero, already has three other dogs two of which are from AARCS.

They say the decision made sense to them and they're looking forward to watching Nero grow up.

"I've looked after special needs dogs before and I just felt so bad for him. And I thought, 'We live out here in the country and there's lots of room for him to run and play,'" saidNero's new adoptivemomLorraine Seth.

"I just see him growing up as a normal member of the family."