Police are investigating a complaint that someone intentionally ran over the hind legs of a Ringgold woman's dog to keep it from having puppies.
Haley, a 2-year-old Labrador mix, was put down May 30 after a veterinarian determined it was the most humane action to take, said Rhonda Waters of Castor.
"For the shape she was in, she is much better off. She is not suffering anymore," said Waters, who cared for Haley for three days.
Waters learned of Haley's plight through another friend, Alicia Swyndro of Ringgold, both of whom recently connected after learning each other is involved with animal rescues in the area. Swyndro was the first to notice the crippled dog and stopped to inquire about it.
Haley's owner reportedly told Swyndro that someone purposely ran over the dog's legs so the animal could not have any more puppies, but the woman did not specify who injured the dog. That alleged admission started Swyndro and Waters on a mission to get something done.
They eventually contacted Stephanie Bell, a cruelty case worker with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, who notified Ringgold police and Bienville sheriff's authorities.
Police Chief Lawson Bradley said his officers attempted to catch the dog one night. Waters said she and Swyndro returned to the house May 28 with a Ringgold officer and managed to get their hands on the scared canine.
Haley, who could only drag herself by her front legs, suffered a broken hip on one side and a broken foot on the other.
"She would have had to have one leg amputated," Waters said. "She was going to be in so much pain, we decided euthanasia was the best thing. ... That was such a hard decision for us to make."
Swyndro and Waters submitted written statements to Bell, who in turn sent them to Bradley. Bradley said Wednesday that he has yet to talk with Swyndro and Waters in person and needs to do so as he pursues the investigation. "We need witnesses who help prove what happened. ... We need witnesses who are willing to testify in court."
Waters said she and Swyndro are more than willing to go all the way with the case. They also have photographs and a statement from the veterinarian who treated Haley.
Bradley said he also must try to determine what actually happened to Haley. Her owner, when questioned by police, reportedly said she did not know what happened to the dog and suggested that a car "probably ran over it." The woman lives near a busy public street, Bradley said.
Bell is urging Bradley to consider charging the woman, who was not identified, with cruelty to animals. If Haley was intentionally injured, the charge is warranted in this case, she said.
If officers are unable to concretely prove the injury was intentional, Bell is asking Bradley to consider the same charge because of allegations that the dog owner allowed Haley to suffer from her injuries for as long as two months.
"Allowing the animal to languish without care is cruel." References
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