Case Snapshot
Case ID: 5615
Classification: Burning - Caustic Substance
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Wednesday, Sep 7, 2005

County: Westmoreland

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

For the second time in two years, the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office is seeking information about a dog found burned with acid.

The 8-week-old boxer mix was found Sept. 7 on Winter Harbor Road near Montross. The puppy has recovered and is being put up for adoption.

In July 2003, two dogs were discovered on a roadside near Montross with similar acid burns, said sheriff's Investigator Merrill Jones. The Humane Society of the United States offered a $2,500 reward for information in that case, but nobody was charged.

The cases may be linked, Jones said, because the puppy looks just like one of the previously injured dogs.

"That tells me it's probably from the same mother," he said.

The Humane Society typically offers $2,500 for convictions in selected cases of animal cruelty across the country, spokeswoman Belinda Mager said. She did not know whether a reward would be offered in the latest case.

"If we work with the local authorities and they think a reward would be helpful, that would be something we would consider doing," Mager said.

The boxer mix's current caretaker, Sharon McHale, said the 10-pound puppy was treated at the King George Veterinary Clinic, as well as at a clinic in Tappahannock.

Veterinarians in King George indicated they had seen similar burns on other dogs, she said.

But an official with the King George Department of Animal Control said he wasn't aware of any reports about dogs being burned by acid.

People may not be reporting cases of animal cruelty to the proper authorities, McHale said, something she encourages them to do.

"Someone who can do something like that to a dog is definitely not someone you want loose in the community," she said.

She said her employer at Ingleside Winery picked up the puppy after he saw him standing "forlornly" on the side of the road. Since then, McHale said, the dog has been dewormed and the wounds on his back have almost healed.

Plus, he acquired a name--Scooter--which she says fits his lively personality. He loves to carry rocks and has even learned to sit.

"He's doing quite well now and he's looking for a home," McHale said.

Information about the burning can be reported to the Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office at 804/493-8066. Anyone interested in adopting Scooter can e-mail McHale at smchale8@hotmail.com.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Westmoreland County Sheriff's Office
804-493-8066

References

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