Case Details
Case Snapshot
Case ID: 14405
Classification: Mutilation/Torture, Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Attempted dog castration with rubber band
Gettysburg, PA (US)

Incident Date: Monday, Aug 18, 2008
County: Adams

Disposition: Open

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

A local humane officer is investigating the case of a border collie that arrived as a stray at the Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently with a bright green rubberband tied around its testicles.

Officer Brandi Luther said the apparent at-home neuter attempt caused a severe infection and "excruciating pain."

"It's completely inhumane," Luther said of the banding practice.

The 4-year-old dog, called "Oakley," is recovering at the facility after two emergency surgeries were performed to treat the infection.

"Banding" is a common neutering practice for young livestock, but Luther said she doesn't recommend it for even those animals.

And the practice is extremely painful on dogs - particularly older ones - because of their different anatomy, she said.

Luther said she is investigating who placed the rubberband on the dog.

The dog's tags traced back to an owner who is in jail, but Luther said she expects someone else was supposed to be caring for it.

Because of the infection, whoever tied the rubberband can be charged with failure to seek proper medical treatment for an animal in their care, she said.

Luther said this is the first time she's investigated this type of case, but she said the SPCA takes in animals "all the time" that have been treated inhumanely.

She said she wants people to know that at-home neuter practices are unacceptable for dogs.

In some cases, at-home medical care for pets is OK. But if there is infection or the problem worsens, pet owners are responsible for seeking professional veterinary care for their animals, Luther said.

"A lot of times owners don't realize when it gets out of hand," she said.

Some owners skirt that responsibility by abandoning the animal, Luther said.

"Instead of taking on their duty ... they dump it or abandon it to us," she said.

Oakley's surgeries cost about $800, and the SPCA is asking for donations to help cover costs.

HOW TO HELP:
To donate money toward Oakley's surgery or to share information about this case, call the Adams County SPCA at (717) 334-8876.

References

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