Officials at Augusta Animal Shelter were stunned last week after finding a four-month old mixed breed puppy, Moxie, trying to dig his way out of a shallow grave.
Veterinarian Scarlett Timmons of the Westside Animal Hospital says that the puppy was unresponsive upon arrival. Later, he was barely able to walk, stand, or eat. He suffered significant head trauma, ant bites, and a respiratory infection from dirt caught in his nasal passages.
Timmons also said it is possible that Moxie might suffer some permanent brain damage, although it is too early to tell for sure. The good news is that he is beginning to regain normal function and can now eat and stand on his own.
[bp_related_article]
Despite all of this trauma, Moxie is full of love and joy. He gives out plenty of kisses and tail wags to everyone who is helping to nurse him back to health
Sadly, there are currently no suspects or even a police report on file, although Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Shane McDaniel stated that the department does take animal abuse very seriously. Charges for animal cruelty can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. Additionally, anyone charged with animal cruelty can face up to $15,000 in fines.
If you know anything about this incident, you are asked to call Augusta Animal Services at (706) 790-6836 or the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1080.
