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Case ID: 18464

Classification: Neglect / Abandonment

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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Dog rescued with gangrened leg
Kansas City, MO (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Aug 18, 2011
County: Platte

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Abuser names unreleased

A single phone call tipped a local animal worker off to a horrifying case of dog abuse but this case had a positive outcome.

Heaven is a Shar-Pei/Shepard mix. Last week someone called in a tip to animal control in Kansas City, MO. The condition the dog was found in was unimaginable.

"I don't understand or comprehend how it could go unnoticed and make her suffer like that," said Stephanie Henshaw, the president of Love 4 Paws.

There's no telling how long Heaven was suffering. By the time animal control got to her at a home near 56th and Highland Avenue, gangrene had set in. Her back leg had been severed and the infection was dangerous.

"Thank goodness the call was made because she would have died or continued to suffer," said Henshaw.

Henshaw took Heaven straight to the veterinarian and immediately they started treating her infection. The bone in her leg was exposed but they had to wait several days before they could take her into surgery to amputate the leg. It was in surgery when the vet figured out how bad the situation was.

"Upon putting her under to remove the leg the vet had analyzed the fact that she had probably chewed her own leg off," said Henshaw. "Whatever injury occurred, she obviously was in enough pain -- either the leg was caught on something or it was stuck -- she chewed it off to either free herself or she was in that much pain."

For Henshaw to hear what Heaven went through is sickening. Fortunately, with help from Love 4 Paws, Heaven will make a full recovery.

At the home where she was kept the family has two other dogs. Animal control is investigating what happened but Henshaw says there's not much that can be done to help protect Heaven and others like her.

"Unfortunately until the city has stricter laws on animal cruelty, it's going to continue," said Henshaw.

Love 4 Paws gives dogs that would normally be euthanized a second chance at life. Vet bills are extremely costly. Anyone who would like to make a donation can follow the information through the

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