Merced police investigating animal cruelty case involving two puppies who were badly injured
MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Merced police are investigating a case of animal cruelty after two puppies were found with broken legs and other disturbing injuries.
One witness reported seeing the puppies thrown out of a car, but rescuers believe they also suffered for weeks before that. Now they're getting medical care and a chance to find a loving home.
Pain medication helped the precious puppies seem peaceful when Action News visited them at Valley Animal Hospital Tuesday morning. But it was a much different story when a woman found them crying and unable to move behind a hair salon in downtown Merced. "I couldn't believe someone would let them be so bad. It was the most awful thing I've ever seen."
Police picked up the severely wounded puppies and brought them to animal control, which then reached out to a local rescue group. "They let me know, because of restrictions on budgets, they aren't able to finance something this huge. So they always ask us if we're able to help, and we can, we try as much as we can," said Sharon Lohman, New Beginnings for Merced County Animals.
At the vet's office, x-rays revealed each baby boy has a broken back leg and bloodshot eyes, while the light brown one also suffered a broken jaw and another wound too graphic to share. "So everything we see shows a substantial amount of trauma," said Dr. Jon Klingborg, Valley Animal Hospital
Dr. Klingborg said both puppies will need surgery but he's hopeful they'll make a full recovery. However, this is just one of many cases of cruelty that keep rescue groups busy year round. They're now pleading with pet owners to contact them-- or a shelter-- before letting unwanted animals suffer. "Do something, reach out, there are a lot of rescues that can help, and I just don't get it. Why throw an animal out for this to happen to it? They don't deserve it, they haven't done anything to deserve how they've been treated," said Lohman.
The two abused puppies are believed to be Pit Bull mixes that are about nine weeks old.
For more information on how to adopt or donate contact:
New Beginnings for Merced County Animals
Sharon at 209-769-2122 or Kristen at 209-564-1668
