2 malnourished dogs, abadoned with bite wounds - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Monday, Oct 10, 2011

County: Broward

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 4 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

Several abused animals were found abandoned outside a local business, and workers are now asking for the public's help.

On Monday, two dogs were found barking outside the DirecTV warehouse in Fort Lauderdale. The canines were victims of cruelty: abused, weak and malnourished.

"I heard them this morning barking," said Joe Berthiaume, who rescued the dogs. "Bite marks all over the face, and it actually looks like somebody hit it over the head, or a big bite."

The dogs have swollen body parts and wounds all over their emaciated bodies. "Very weak. They're very weak," Berthiaume said. "The left leg is really swollen, gashes all over, like an open wound, you can see. Really bad."

The workers immediately got food for the pooches, which may have been used as bait dogs. Berthiaume said, "The bait dog doesn't fight back, so they use that for the fighting dogs to train on."

The Underdog Foundation, a local non-profit organization, decided to help out the abused animals. The workers took the dogs to the Victoria Park Animal Hospital, where the canines are receiving some much-needed care.

"There's lots of puncture wounds, and it looks like they've been fighting," said Dr. Alison Birken of the Victoria Park Animal Hospital. "I think these guys can get on some antibiotics and some pain medication and do really well. We have no idea what happened to them. They're completely injured, they're so sick, but they're so sweet, and it really breaks your heart, because as much as you can tell what they've been through, they're so trusting."

Both the animal hospital and the Underdog Foundation will be helping out with the dogs' medical expenses. However, if you would like to donate or adopt the dogs, please contact:

The Underdog Foundation

[email protected]

References

• « FL State Animal Cruelty Map
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