The founders of Hope Animal Rescues say their most recent dog rescue is one of the most disturbing cases they've ever seen. A young pit bull was stuffed in a trash bin with an extension cord wrapped around it's neck. A trash worker discovered the animal inside a Cahokia trash bin. Rescuers nicknamed him, Tommy, The Throw away Dog. You could see a red mark around its neck where the extension cord was buried underneath the dog's skin.

(Photo's Courtesy of Hope Rescues - Tommy being pulled out of the trash dumpster in the 500 block of Mildred)

Rescuers estimated the cord was around the dog's neck for months.

"He was probably tied by an extension cord out in someone's back yard and instead of petted like most of us would do with our pets he was kicked, burned, whacked with something that cut his legs," said Jackie Spiker, Hope Animal Rescues co-founder.

There were also burn marks on the dog's shoulder and cuts on his belly and legs.

   (Photo Courtesy of Hope Rescues - picture of the extension cord in Tommy's neck)

"I wanted to cry because he looked so sad and I couldn't believe anyone could do that to a dog," said Kendra Lee, rescue volunteer.

"I don't now how anybody can do this to a dog it's just shocking to me," said Karen Burk, rescue volunteer.

"I can't really put it into words as to how incredibly awful it was and he smelled horrible from the flesh rotting and I've never seen anything like it on a live dog," said Spiker.

Tommy needed immediate medical attention including surgery to remove the extension cord. He was also malnourished.

"One of the vet techs had to leave the room because she was crying," said Spiker.

Tommy was treated at the animal hospital in Collinsville.  Upon examination Tommy was found to have several other wounds, burns and whipping marks that tore at his skin.  He was also nearly 20 lbs underweight.  The smell of his flesh was horrible. 

As awful as the abuse must have been, Tommy wagged his tail and gave kisses at the vets office and is playful at the shelter.

"It hasn't broken his spirit I mean if you get close enough he'll give you a kiss if you get even closer than that he'll jump up on you," said Spiker.

It will take a full month for Tommy to heal but his rescuers promise he'll be available for adoption soon.

"He's in a good place now so he'll definitely have a happy ending," said Burk. Tommy was released by the veterinarian on 10/31/09 after having surgery to relieve some of the swelling around his neck.  His face was swollen and the wound must be kept open and cleaned to allow it to heal.  He is on some heavy duty pain medications and antibiotics.  He is recovering at Club Paws, Inc.

(Photo's Courtesy of Hope Rescues - Tommy's swollen face and evidence of his other wounds)

Rescuers just hope the person responsible is caught. In fact they are offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Update 11/3/09:  A Cahokia, IL woman was charged with Cruel Treatment of Animals. Tracia Johnson, 34, of 503 Mildred Ave, is accused of throwing the dog away.

  (Photo courtesy of Hope Rescues)

"It's horrible," said Lt. James Jones, Cahokia police department.   He said the extension cord was meant to replace a leash that broke away too many times.

"I guess the person decided that since he kept breaking the chain to put a cord around its neck and fasten him to the chain," Johnson said.

Police made the arrest one day after the abuse was reported.

"That helped us a lot people finally started coming around and saying hey I think this dog was there so it helped out a lot in this investigation," said Jones.

The good news is Tommy is making a remarkable recovery. He shows no signs of aggression just signs of looking for love. Interest in adopting Tommy has spread nationwide.

 (Photo Courtesy of Hope Rescues-Tommy has gained 6 lbs since his rescue)

"We have people from Michigan, Wisconsin, you name it writing asking about Tommy," said Jackie Spiker.

Spiker is the co-founder of Hope Animals Rescue in Alton, Il. She's trying to help Tommy learn how to fetch a ball. It seems he has no idea how to play. Spiker expects Tommy to be available for adoption after a month or so.

"It's going to have a great ending and that means more to me than anything and I'm sure it's going to mean a lot to Mr. Tommy," said Spiker.

Johnson, age 34 has been charged by the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office with 1 count of cruel treatment of animals and 2 counts of violations of animals (owner's duties).  The 3 counts are misdemeanor charges.

Johnson's bond was set at $10,000.00.

Reference:

Fox 2 Now News

Hope Animal Rescues