Abused dog Melody
SAN DIEGO–Melody, a four-year old Spaniel, was brought to San Diego Humane Society on December 22 with severe lacerations around her neck, which appear to be caused from tightly bound chicken wire that caused deep cuts in her neck.
From the investigation by San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement department, humane officers believe this act was intentional cruelty. This incredibly painful infliction constitutes animal abuse in the state of California and authorities are hoping community tips will lead to an arrest.
“The way the chicken wire was tied indicates that this was an intentional act. The injuries she has suffered cut into her flesh all the way to the bone. She’s very lucky to be alive,” says Steve MacKinnon, Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for San Diego Humane Society. MacKinnon explained that Melody was found abandoned at a plant nursery located on North River Road in Oceanside.
MacKinnon continues, “We’ve opened an investigation to find the person(s) responsible for her injuries, but we, unfortunately, have very little information about what happened. We’re asking the community to please report any information or possible leads so we can find the person responsible, or Melody’s previous owners.”
San Diego Humane Society veterinarians performed immediate reconstructive surgery on Melody to repair her injuries and have given a positive prognosis for her survival and rehabilitation. The Humane Law Enforcement division of San Diego Humane Society has opened an animal cruelty investigation with the hopes of pursuing felony charges.
Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society says, “What happened to Melody is horrific and, unfortunately, we see animal cruelty like this all too often. We rely on information from the community to be able to seek justice for these animals who are unable to defend themselves. Fighting animal cruelty is one of our primary missions so we can give animals like Melody the second chance they deserve.”
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. Leads can be reported through an anonymous tip line on www.sdcrimestoppers.com, or by calling (888) 580-8477. Information can also be reported to the San Diego Humane Society at www.sdhumane.org, or by calling (619) 243-3466.
