Dog tortured and abandoned Richmond, VA (US) Incident Date: Thursday, Oct 30, 2003 County: Richmond City Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Case ID: 1813 Classification: Mutilation/Torture Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in VA (US) Reward: $1,000 Login to Watch this Case

A dog found tortured and left to die on Bells Road in Southside Richmond on Tuesday will probably survive, according to the veterinarians who are treating him.

The young German shepherd (Elton) who endured an apparent act of incredible cruelty this week, has had surgery to remove his chemically blinded eyes, but is responding to treatment, and to gentle hands upon his head.

He's doing great," said Angie Bailey, head receptionist at the Colonial Heights Veterinary Hospital. "His wounds have been sutured ... and we've just got to nurse him back to health," Bailey said.

The Progress-Index has withheld the pictures it took of Elton when he first arrived at the veterinary office, judging them too graphic to print.

His tale is heart-rending - of neglect, abuse and abandonment to die crushed in a roadway. But though evil wrote the first chapter, love intends to finish the story.

People from as far as Texas have called or e-mailed, absolutely disgusted that someone would perpetrate such a wretched crime, and opening their wallets to help pay his medical expenses.

"You would not believe the calls we've had today. The public outreach has been wonderful," Bailey said.

The Colonial Heights chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has offered a $1,000 reward for any information on the suspected abuser. The chapter can be reached at 2316 Boulevard, Colonial Heights Va., 23834, or by phone at (804) 526-7722. Donations are welcome.

Michelle Welsh, animal abuse prosecutor for the city of Richmond, is on the hunt, too. "I've been doing cruelty cases for three years and this is by far the worst," she said.

Elton's attacker must be caught, she said, for animal abuse often leads to other horrific crimes.

"We're investigating it actively. And we are asking the public to come forward with leads. We will never solve this crime unless someone does the right thing and comes forward," she said.

If caught, however, the suspect won't face all the punishment he or she deserves, Welch said. Because the dog didn't die, his attacker faces a maximum of one year in jail, on a Class One misdemeanor charge.

Welch will ask for the maximum penalty. She would like to see the law changed to make such a crime a felony.

"It's a travesty," she said.

Any case of animal abuse or neglect should be reported immediately to local police, or the Animal Control hotline at (804) 240-1040, she said. Callers can remain anonymous.

In spite of what he has suffered, Elton appears to be a sweet dog, she said. The Colonial Heights Veterinary Hospital is still discussing placing him for adoption with a local family.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Animal Control
(804) 240-1040

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References

The Progress-Index - 10/31/2003, author Cliff Davis

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