Neglected dog abandoned at shelter
Jacksonville, NC (US)Incident Date: Friday, Aug 11, 2006
County: Onslow
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Nobody at Onslow County Animal Control knows who chained a Shih Tzu mixed-breed dog in front of the shelter on the morning of Aug 11.
Based on the dog's medical condition, whoever left the animal there could be charged with abandonment and neglect, said Dino Einsig, director of animal control.
"It's borderline cruelty to animals," Einsig said.
Since that time, volunteers with Carolina Animal Protection Society have taken the dog, which was caked with fleas and has a severe case of mange, into their care.
"We thought he had been attacked, but the vet said it was a skin problem," said Sarah Liners, a dog placement and adoption counselor for CAPS. "He has chewed himself to bits."
The male dog, whose unofficial name is Phoenix - after the mythical creature that sets itself on fire and then rises from its ashes to start a new life - has lived with Liners since she picked the pup up from animal control last week. Phoenix was to be placed in foster care Wednesday until the infection all over its body healed. The dog will be put up for adoption.
In the meantime, CAPS is asking for donations to help pay for Phoenix's veterinary bills and is hoping someone has information about his prior owners.
"Just leaving him outside animal control was medical neglect," Liners said. "He was fed, but he didn't get any care for mange or for the fleas. They just let him sit there and almost chewed himself to death. … Most of us haven't seen abuse or neglect like this before."
The 25-pound dog was found with a chain around its raw neck, tied to the pillar in front of animal control.
"He sits and whimpers and cries," Liners said. "He's in so much pain."
Einsig said it isn't unusual to find dogs - about four or five a month - abandoned in front of animal control, either, before he reports to work at 7 a.m. or after the shelter closes at 7 p.m.
"We don't usually find dogs in that bad of shape," Einsig said.
Anyone with information about who abandoned Phoenix can call Liners at 326-1284 or animal control at 455-0182. Donations for Phoenix's care can be made to Carolina Animal Protection Society, 110 Queens Road, Jacksonville, N.C. 28540. If you have information on this case, please contact:
Onslow County Animal Control
455-0182
References« NC State Animal Cruelty Map
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