Dozens of tips from the public are pouring in to the Humane Society after two animals, a Siberian Husky and a cat, were found in a southeast alleyway with tape wrapped around their mouths. **WARNING – Graphic images attached**

Authorities say they have received dozens of tips and are continuing the investigation to try and find out who was behind two horrific cases of animal cruelty.

On Thursday, a cat was found dead in an alleyway along 99 Ave. S.E. and investigators say its mouth was covered in green painter’s tape.

The incident bears some shocking similarities to an incident on January 9, 2014, where a Siberian Husky was found starved to death.

Clear medical tape was wrapped around the dog’s muzzle and it was severely emaciated.

Officials with the Humane Society believe the tape contributed to the death of both animals.

“This blatant cruelty is fairly rare. We deal with a lot of neglect and a lot of abuse that stems from behavioural problems and a lack of self control but, something like this where - and I can't think of a scenario where tape would be put around a muzzle - for an appropriate reason, these cases are fairly rare,” says Brad Nichols, Cruelty Investigations Manager with the Calgary Humane Society.

The Humane Society is looking to the public for help in identifying the animals.

They are also canvassing the neighbourhood, knocking on doors and speaking with residents to try and find out if anyone knows anything about the animals or who owns them.

Meanwhile, a Cochrane-based veterinary company, Vets To Go, came forward on Thursday and is offering a reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the offender(s).

They have contributed $5,000 for a reward, but an anonymous donor has boosted that amount by $3,000.

Vets To Go says they have also had an overwhelming response and are in the process of creating a website for concerned residents to add to the reward. They expect the total to reach $10,000.

The Chief Medical Director of Vets To Go, Dr. Wendy McClelland, says the company is in the process of lobbying for tougher animal abuse legislation.

"We dedicate our working lives to helping improve the quality of life for animals and when we see a situation like this, we are compelled to act." said Dr. McClelland. "Like many pet owners and animal lovers, we're frustrated by watching these abuse cases end up with minor fines and rare jail sentences."

Anyone who recognizes either animal or has any information about the owner is asked to contact the Calgary Humane Society Protection and Investigations Department at 403-205-4455.

The bodies of the animals have been sent for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

The Calgary Police Service says it is not involved in the investigation, but will step in if the Humane Society requests them.

A fundraiser is being held on January 25 to raise money for a reward for information on this case, click HERE for more details.