Shelters Collaborate to Rescue Three Puppies

March 16, 2010

WASHINGTON HUMANE SOCIETY, WASHINGTON ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE COLLABORATE ON RESCUE OF THREE PUPPIES

Washington D.C. - Animal protection officials are searching for suspects in a case of animal abuse committed against three rottweiler puppies. On March 16, 2010, officers from the Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement division responded to a call regarding the abuse of three puppies. The officer on scene immediately had the animals transported to the Washington Animal Rescue League’s Medical Center for what the officer describes as “serious injuries.”

Two of the puppies suffered from wounds around their necks caused by collars that had grown too tight and a third dog had a rubber band embedded in one leg. The rubber band had become so deeply embedded that the portion of the leg below the band was necrotic and paralyzed.

At the Medical Center, veterinarians treated the neck wounds on the two dogs and a surgeon amputated the other puppy’s leg, which could not be saved.

No suspects have been arrested, but the investigation continues. “We are determined to find whoever is responsible for this heartless act and bring them to justice,” states Lisa LaFontaine, the president and CEO of the Washington Humane Society.

Meanwhile, the adoption staff at the Washington Animal Rescue League has found adoptive homes for the two puppies recovering from the embedded collars. One will go to a private home in suburban Maryland, and the other will live at the Hyattsville, Maryland, fire station, where a longtime canine companion recently died of cancer. The third dog, the amputee, should be ready for adoption the week of April 5.

“The League is always looking to take in animals who need extra help as they recover from past traumas,” points out Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the Washington Animal Rescue League, “so we were happy to be able to help these three victims of abuse. We are making sure that nothing like that will ever happen to them again.”

This rescue case is one of hundreds each year in which the Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League collaborate for the benefit of the victims.

People wishing to help further the investigation or contribute to a reward fund can donate to the Washington Humane Society at http://www.washhumane.org. Those wishing to contribute to the puppies’ medical care and adoption can send contributions to the Washington Animal Rescue League at http://www.warl.org.