March 5, 2009 – A severely injured dog was found on St. Croix Wednesday, bearing a deep slit across its throat that ran almost ear to ear, plus puncture wounds in its mouth and an injured foot, a St. Croix Animal Welfare Center official said.
Animal abuse is suspected.
"The laceration on the throat is made by clean, sharp edge, possibly a knife," veterinarian Cindy Miller said in a press release issued Wednesday.
She suggested that the wounds inside the dog's mouth happened when it attempted to defend itself. The foot injury might have happened when the dog was hit by a car when it attempted to escape.
The dog, light brown and golden with a black snout, was found near Watergut Homes and Seaborne Airlines seaplane ramp at about 8:30 a.m.
The dog, named Madonna by those taking care of her, is in good condition and is recovering at the Island Animal Clinic, Animal Welfare Center spokesman Gretchen G. Sherrill said Thursday.
"She's eating well, considering everything, and she seems to be in good spirits," Sherrill said.
Both the Animal Welfare Center and the Police Department were called. When the police were unable to find the dog, Animal Welfare Center staff tracked to dog's prints in the sand. Sherrill said they rescued the frightened dog and took her to Island Animal Clinic for treatment.
The dog appears to be about four years old. She isn't spayed, but was in good health and well fed with a friendly temperament.
"She is the sweetest dog. I can't understand why someone would do this," Island Animal Clinic technical Jill Cook said.
If no one claims the dog, Sherrill said she'll be put up for adoption once she recovers from her wounds. The dog had no identification and was not microchipped, Sherrill said.
Sherrill said no witnesses have come forward to report this felony.
She urged anyone who saw the dog abused to call the Police Department at 911 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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