POINT LOMA — Animal-rights organizations are offering a $4,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for a fatal knife attack on a 9-month-old German shepherd, in which the dog was stabbed more than 50 times in Point Loma on Saturday. The male dog was viciously stabbed in the abdomen, chest and throat near the intersection of Rosecrans Street and Nimitz Boulevard around 4 or 5 a.m. on Saturday, according to Lt. Dan DeSousa with the county’s Department of Animal Services. DeSousa said the dog then staggered down Rosecrans Street, leaving a trail of blood and pools of blood in several areas where the canine was believed to have collapsed. Because it appears the animal fought back, DeSousa said it is likely that whoever killed the German shepherd will have blood and dog hair on their clothes and they may have been bitten or scratched by the dog. “Whoever is responsible for this despicable crime needs to be found and held accountable,” said Dawn Danielson, director of the Department of Animal Services. County officials are asking anyone with information to contact DeSousa at (619) 823-4959. Callers may remain anonymous. The $4,500 reward is being put up by the San Diego Animal Advocates and In Defense of Animals organizations. If convicted, the dog’s killer could face a felony animal abuse charge, punishable by imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000, or both. — Kevin McKay