With a reward now offered, authorities continue to seek help identifying a man sought in connection with an animal cruelty investigation in Lompoc earlier this month.

Santa Barbara County Animal Services representatives last week asked for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a person of interest, releasing an enhanced image that blurred “sensitive material.”

“At this time, the individual is being sought strictly as a person of interest, and no charges have been filed,” county officials said. “Animal Control investigators are attempting to identify and speak with this individual as part of the ongoing investigation.”

The Black male 20 to 50 years of age and wearing a red beanie, a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and sneakers was last seen heading north in the 200 block of North E Street in Lompoc around 3:20 p.m. Feb. 17.

He had tan, pug-type dog.

“The dog has not yet been located, and its welfare is a priority,” authorities said. 

As of Thursday, county officials reportedly did not have any leads. 

Animal Wellness Action, based in Washington, D.C., offered a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the individual responsible for the act of animal cruelty under investigation in Lompoc.

“Residents in the neighborhood where the incident occurred reported that home security footage shows a man picking up a dog and violently swinging the animal against a truck and a fence,” Animal Wellness Action said in a written statement.

The video of what authorities called “an intentional act of cruelty” was shared on neighborhood watch platforms and subsequently provided to Animal Services.

“This is a deeply troubling case and a stark reminder that cruelty toward animals must be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action. “We urge anyone with information about who is responsible to come forward. Acts of violence against animals are often precursors to violence against people.”

Anyone who recognizes the individual in the released photo or has any information about the dog’s whereabouts can contact county Animal Control Officer Hart by sending an email to chart@sbcphd.org. 

Anonymous tips may be made on the Animal Services website at SBCAnimalServices.org under the “abuse/neglect” tab.

Individuals may also submit tips to tips@animalwellnessaction.org.