Not Disclosed

Neighbors rescue dog from severe abuse

Poulsbo, WA

July 30, 2006

For a German Shepherd named Scoobie, it started with a choke chain wrapped so tightly around her neck that she nearly starved to death.  She couldn’t drink and couldn’t even open her jaw. That’s when neighbors living near Scoobie’s Navy yard city home spotted a wound and called Kitsap County Animal Control.  When the Animal Control Officer Rance McEntyre approached Scoobie, he was able to detect a rotting smell from her, alerting him that there was a problem. Officers looked closer and saw a choke chain wound around Scoobie’s neck, so tightly, that the chain cut through her flesh and into her arteries.  McEntyre stated she was just days away from dying.  They stated this was not an accident, but a case of animal neglect.

  (Photo courtesy of Komo News 4)

When the animal was taken back to the Central Kitsap County Animal Hospital, they could actually see the artery pumping as Scoobie was lying on the table.  Dr. Cerissa Blair used a bolt cutter to take off the chain, only to learn that Scoobie had developed a high fever and condition that locked her jaw shut and prevented her from using her joints.

She was starving and severely dehydrated.  She would walk up to water as if she were thirsty but could not drink because she couldn’t open her mouth.  Scoobie was 30 pounds underweight when rescued.

The dog is now recovering at Central Kitsap Animal Hospital in Poulsbo and she’s in better shape. Dr. Blair states that the wounds are still visible and that Scoobie’s fear is still evident, but she is showing improvement.  She is now able to eat and drink.

The Kitsap County Prosecutor’s office is investigating Scoobie’s owners. Officers say this was not an accident and want the two charged with animal cruelty and failure to provide adequate care.  Animal Control officers also stated that the dog had other scars around her neck, which tells them she had been abused in the past.

Scoobie now has a new owner.  Dr. Blair has adopted Scoobie but says it will be a long time before she can go home.

 

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  (Photo courtesy of Komo News 4)

Reference: 

Komo News 4