****Update: September 14, 2015****
Rescuers found another dog, a 5 year old Chihuahua, with severe chemical burns on his back. The pup, named Taco, is in incredible pain and showing signs of aggression due to his wounds that are likely over a week old.
Taco is the ninth stray dog in the Los Angeles area to suffer from severe chemical burns.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s investigators do not yet know the cause of the burns. Test results have only revealed that they are “caustic chemical burns.” Investigators say that there is a possibility the burns are from something environmental, rather than due to malicious intent by a human. However, there is a $50,000 for any information that leads to a criminal arrest.
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*****This post contains graphic photos that may be disturbing to some pup ruvers.
On August 11, a kind hooman found a Golden Retriever with horrific wounds down his back in a parking lot in Los Angeles. The man brought the pup to a local shelter, where they discovered that his wounds were from severe burns. The shelter treated the dog’s injuries as best they could, but the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue soon stepped in and brought the dog, now named Fergus, into their care.
The rescue says someone poured gasoline or lighter fluid down the one year old pup’s back and then set him on fire.
Fergus is now at the Animal Medical Center in West Los Angeles. His veterinarian, Dr. Alan Schulman, says that the dog’s wounds were so severe that they killed the nerves all along his back. Consequently, Fergus is not feeling much pain.
Dr. Schulman says:
“You can see it started on the head and thank God he did not get his eyes burned, he didn’t get his face burned. It could have been a lot worse.”
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Fergus, which means “powerful,” is a great name for this pup. He is already recovering remarkably well. He is responding to the antibiotics and ointments doctors are using to treat his burns.
The rescue estimates that Fergus will be available for adoption in three months.
While Fergus’ story is hopeful, it is not unique. Three other dogs in the area have been found with similar wounds in the past two weeks. Two of them had to be euthanized. Tracking down the perpetrator is difficult because all of the animals have been strays.
There is currently a $4500 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
You can learn more about Fergus from the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue Facebook page. You can donate to his care via GoFundMe.
