Animal Rescue

Humane Society of Missouri Rescues Dog Brutally Mutilated in Washington County

Dogs' ears cruelly cut off allegedly without anesthesia 

Thursday, March 25, 2010-On Tuesday, March 22, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescued a 10 month old female, pit bull whose ears had been severed.  The rescue was in response to a call from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and a concerned citizen about an injured dog on a property just outside of Potosi, Missouri. The HSMO Animal Cruelty Investigator and Washington County detective who visited the property determined the dog had recent, bloody wounds to both ears. Subsequently, a warrant was obtained to place the dog in protective custody. The dog is now in the custody of the Humane Society of Missouri and receiving veterinary care for infection and pain relief. A disposition hearing to determine permanent custody will be held in Potosi at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 20.

“The excruciating pain and agony this helpless victim suffered is unfathomable,” said Dr. Alicia Tolar, a private veterinarian in Old Mines, Missouri, who examined the dog.  “A procedure of this nature performed without the proper equipment and benefit of anesthesia should never be inflicted on a helpless animal.”

“There is no other way to describe this than as a blatant act of animal torture,” said Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri.  “This is the type of injury we often see in dogs rescued from dog fighting situations or dogs whose owners wish them to have a more intimidating appearance. I can think of no breed standard or medical reason to subject an animal to this mutilation.”

Hill continued, “We wish to thank the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington County Prosecutor for their swift action and willingness to diligently pursue this investigation.” 

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