At first glance, someone saw a dog that seemed to be sleeping on the side of the road. On closer inspection, the good Samaritan realized the dog was barely alive and had been discarded like a piece of trash in the ditch. The upsetting incident took place in Espanola, Florida, where a joint investigation has begun between the sheriff’s office and animal services department.
According Lost and Found Pets of Palm Coast and Flagler County, the dog, whom rescuers named Grace, “had open wounds, the biggest one on the front paw toward the chest, which was so badly infected it was pouring out infection, she couldn’t move or anything or get her head up.” Later, when a deputy spoke to veterinarians caring for Grace, they determined the dog to be about 7 or 8 years old and likely a victim of illegal dogfighting.
Her poor teeth were filed down, which is a technique abusers use to prevent some dogs from fighting back or injuring attack dogs. Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone involved in caring for the precious girl, Grace succumbed to sepsis from her untreated injuries. The fight is on to figure out who did this so they can be brought to justice. There are other dogs being put in harm’s way through illegal dogfighting rings.
Grace’s body will undergo a necropsy by a forensic pathologist, and Flagler Animal Control went door-to-door trying to get the word out. Anyone with information on this case or who recognizes this dog can call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS (8477), through the Crime Stoppers P3 Tips app, or online. I Love My Dog hopes by sharing this story that the person or persons responsible are apprehended.
H/T: Lost and Found Pets of Palm Coast and Flagler County/Facebook, WESH
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