Puppy Doe vigil expected to draw hundreds to Quincy, organizers say

By Melissa Hanson, Globe Correspondent

About 500 people from Massachusetts and beyond are expected to pour into Quincy Saturday night for a vigil to remember Puppy Doe, a pit bull who had to be euthanized this month after being tortured, organizers said.

“Thousands of people have shed tears for this dog,” said Ally Baker of Melrose, who is working with four others to organize the rally in Pageant Field.

A Facebook page for the event says almost 2,000 are planning to attend, but organizers expect about 500. They have had to change venues twice to accommodate the growing number of attendees, said Baker.

The vigil will start at 5 p.m. with an introduction and a poem. Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey and Mary Nee, president of the Animal Rescue League of Boston, are expected to make speeches during the event. There will also be singing and a moment of silence, said Nancy Julian, another event organizer.

“I think it’s a story that has touched everyone,” said Julian.

Candles and well-behaved dogs will be welcome at the vigil, said Baker.

“We don’t want anyone to forget about this,” said Baker. “I know something good is going to come out of this.”

Baker called for new and tougher laws against animal abuse. She wants people to reach out to their elected representatives and do the same.

Quincy police have received leads in the case and are investigating, along with Norfolk County prosecutors, said district attorney’s spokesman David Traub.

The ARL is offering a $ 5,000 reward to anyone who gives a tip that leads to the prosecution of Puppy Doe’s abuser.

Puppy Doe, a young female,