Dog Recovering from Hanging | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Madera County, CA, USA "I've seen a lot of horrible things, but seeing her with a noose around her neck and her head so swollen and barely breathing that was probably the most emotional case I've seen so far. It was pretty horrific." Animal Control Officer Amy Toler said. She was lead to the dog by a farm worker who had discovered it hanging from a tree.

"I didn't think she'd be alive by the time I got back to the shelter." I was going as fast as I possibly could and hoping she wouldn't die in the back of my truck alone." Toler said.

Shelter workers believe life is precious, and that's what they've named the dog. "Precious" is getting better, but shelter director Kristen Gross says there's no guarantee she will survive. "The dog is still in grave danger. She is very sick she has a lot of infection. We don't know if there is damage to the breathing apparatus but she is having some difficulties breathing through the inflammation and so on." Gross said.

In addition to the damage caused by the noose, Precious is suffering from a severe case of Mange, a serious parasitic skin disease that causes sores all over her body. The dog is tired and weak, but responding. If she recovers it will be awhile before she can be offered for adoption, and Gross says she won't be placed with just anyone, "I think we'll scrutinize any new adopters for this girl, she deserves a great new home."

An animal cruelty investigation is underway and a $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of whoever is responsible for abusing the dog.

Shocking Case of Animal Abuse in Madera County