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Case ID: 17430
Classification: Shooting, Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Animal was offleash or loose
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Dog shot
Graham, WA (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Feb 10, 2011
County: Pierce

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 2 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Animal control investigators are trying to track down the person who shot a dog.

X-rays have uncovered a possible crime.

"I wouldn't expect to see X-rays like this and a dog walking around," said Dr. Joe Richter, a veterinarian.

But the 4-year-old mastiff mix did survive bullets to the base of her skull and back.

The dog was discovered after neighbors called animal control, complaining about two abandoned dogs roaming together on a dead end street in Graham.

"It actually looks like (the dog) had gunshot wounds quite a while," said animal control manager Tim Anderson.

The mastiff has infected wounds. Her companion, an 8-year-old chow mix, appears unharmed.

"We really need to identify the owner and who shot the dog," said Anderson. "Were they trying to defend themselves or out target practicing?"

Investigators say nobody has reported missing pets matching the dogs' description. They've interviewed neighbors who say the strays resemble dogs named Bella and Grizz.

"They thought the dogs looked similar to neighbors," Anderson said. "We confronted neighbor, and he denied this. And (he) said they showed up past few weeks and he fed them, but denied owning the dogs."

If convicted of animal cruelty, the person who shot Bella could face five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Grizz has spent a few days as a stray, and has passed its behavior assessment. She is said to be social, happy and now available for adoption.

"It just makes us sad that people don't realize there are resources for rehoming dog and don't have to leave it at the end of the road or shoot it," said Kathleen Olson, executive director of the Pierce County Humane Society.

Bella needs more healing before finding a new family. After all she's been through, this dog's wounds go deeper than the bullets.

Anyone with information on the dogs is urged to contact

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