ABUSED DOG DUMPED IN SANTEE, ORANGE DODGE CHARGER SEEN LEAVING SCENE FRIDAY

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Authorities ask public help to find abuser who bound dog’s snout

East County News Service

July 28, 2017 (Santee) -- An abused 3-month-old terrier is now recovering at County Animal Services after being found abandoned late Wednesday night outside a Santee fast food restaurant. A witness reported seeing an orange Dodge Charger stop, pause, then pull away. The puppy ran from the spot where the Dodge had been, then hid beneath another vehicle.

The puppy had injuries from what appeared to have been rubber bands or some other material that had been wrapped around his snout. The cuts from the bands were through the flesh on the dog’s snout. The little dog was brought to the animal care facility in Bonita where he was examined by medical staff and treated.

“There’s no question this puppy has been abused,” said County Animal Services Director Dan DeSousa “Perhaps it was a misguided attempt to stop the little dog from barking but pet owners should not stoop to these steps as there are other options open to them like training.”

DeSousa says it appears the bands were removed from the dog’s snout several days before the puppy was found. The wounds are starting to heal and the six-and-a-half pound puppy did not have any other injuries.

The dog didn’t have any identification so he will go up for adoption once he’s fully recovered.

Based upon the seriousness of the dog’s injuries, the department may start an animal abuse investigation. Anyone with information on the case can call the department at (619) 498-2305.  If convicted of animal cruelty, a suspect could face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to $20,000 or both.

 


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