MAURICEVILLE (January 27, 2013)—Strychnine was used to poison seven dogs found dead in the small Southeast Texas town of Mauriceville, about 100 miles northeast of Houston.

An eighth dog, a 7-year-old miniature schnauzer, was also poisoned but survived.

The poisonings were first reported on Wednesday to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Under Texas law, intentionally poisoning an animal is a third-degree felony punishable by up to two years in state jail.

The Southeast Texas Humane Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.