Puppy put in hot oven
Marietta, GA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, May 26, 2011
County: Cobb
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 3 files available
Alleged: Gary Steven Moore, Jr.
A 24-year-old Cobb County man is accused of putting a puppy in a hot oven as an act of revenge against another man.
Gary S. Moore Jr., 24, now faces a felony animal cruelty charge.
Channel 2's Ross Cavitt went to Cobb Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Marietta to check up on the puppy's prognosis.
Cavitt said Melody, a 20-month-old pit bull mix, was bandaged and burned from head to toe. Cavitt said Melody received significant injuries to her paws and tail.
Dr. Susan Engeran, who is working around the clock to give Melody a new chance at life, is giving the puppy a constant drip of pain killers and antibiotics. The injuries are so serious that Melody whimpers and whines constantly.
"She's been treated very aggressively," said Engeran.
Police believe Melody became the victim of a nasty domestic dispute. Four days later, police said, a Good Samaritan brought her to the clinic after failing to convince Moore to get treatment for Melody.
"She was very lethargic… and dehydrated," said Engeran.
Engeran expects Melody to make it and said the puppy has the gift of youth. It is unknown how the burns on her paws will heal.
Neighbor Nerys Machuca told Cavitt that he heard the puppy make noise in the middle of the night, and knocked on Moore's door, but he wouldn't open it. He was saddened to hear what happened.
"Animals deserve respect just like we do," said Machuca.
Engeran said Melody has become the star of the clinic.
"The news spread and people are coming by to see. We all feel for her very much," said Engeran.
The clinic said Melody will not be put up for adoption. They will select a special foster home to deal with the puppy's medical needs.
According to jail records, Moore was still being held at the Cobb County jail. References |
