Wichita ? Animal welfare workers are concerned by a spate of stray dogs found with what appear to be chemical burns.

This week, a black Lab-mix puppy named Valiant was found with chemical burns on his back. They were similar to burns suffered by Magnum, the mixed-breed puppy found Aug. 1 in a recycling bin wrapped with wire, with cuts and a broken leg.

The humane societies here and in nearby Newton have taken in four other dogs in the past two weeks – making workers wonder if they are accidents or abuse.

“We are dumbfounded,” said Drew Bessey, supervisor of the Wichita Animal Shelter. “We can’t explain it.”

Bessey said stray dogs often get into trouble and get hurt. She’s hoping that’s the case and that a cruel abuser isn’t at work.

Valiant’s wounds appear to be caused by chemicals. Josh Alberg, the Goddard veterinarian who treated the dog Friday, said they could have been an accident, but it’s not likely.

“It’s more likely that this was probably a malicious act,” he said.

Police and officials from Wichita Animal Services are investigating the cases. Rewards totaling more than $18,000 have been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Meanwhile, Bessey said if another animal shows up with similar wounds, skin samples will be taken and sent to the veterinary hospital at Kansas State University to try to determine the cause.

For now, Valiant is being cared for by Debbie Farrington, of Cheney, a Kansas K-9 ResQ team member who says the dog is always wagging his tail.

“I don’t know what happened to him,” she said. “I just know I’m going to take care of him and find him a good home.”

Four of the other dogs found recently with mysterious injuries are also recovering in foster homes and will be put up for adoption. Magnum, however, wasn’t so lucky. He died of his injuries Aug. 6.