Dog abuse continues on Grand Cayman.
This time a heavily pregnant dog has been shot.
Humane Society staff and veterinarian Dr. Brenda Bush were shocked when X-rays showed the injury.
The stray, now named Lolita, was picked up by Humane Society staff from the Bodden Road area in George Town after a concerned resident spotted the little dog limping badly and asked for the charity’s assistance.
Lolita with one of her pups. Photo: Submitted |
Lolita was transported to the Humane Society shelter where she gave birth to nine healthy puppies. Her injured leg was an obvious concern, but no-one could have predicted what the X-rays revealed, states a press release.
‘We initially though Lolita had been hit by a car, but the X-ray confirmed a large number of shot pellets in her foot area, some penetrating the bones’ said Shelter Manager Sugar Evans.
Ms Bush of Island Veterinary Services confirmed Lolita’s bones had actually been broken by the shot.
‘Lolita will have to have her leg amputated below the knee. An animal that has been shot is more likely to suffer from infection and this limits the bones from ever healing,” she said.
Ms Bush expressed concern that this is the third dog she has seen that has been shot in the last six months.
Prior to this her surgery has dealt with only half a dozen cases since 1994. It would appear these types of cruel incidents are on the increase, the release said.
Staff at Island Veterinary Services reported Lolita’s incident to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Services..
Humane Society staff and volunteers describe Lolita as a small and gentle dog that is understandably shy and nervous of humans.
But in the past few weeks she has come along and is more comfortable and trusting of those taking care of her.
‘We predict Lolita will learn to trust again. She has a long road ahead of her, but in the right home she will blossom. She is a sweet dog and I cannot imagine why anyone would do such a thing to an innocent and harmless animal,’ said Ms Evans.
Lolita is recovering from her birthing experience and tending to her litter. Once she has gained sufficient strength, her leg will be operated on and in time a new home will be sought.
‘All animal abuse is sickening. The frightening aspect to this incident is that someone is out there with a firearm, willing to use it in a residential area and targeting a timid, gentle pregnant stray. The mentality of this person doesn’t bear thinking about. The pain and trauma this little dog suffered is unimaginable,’ said Clare Hasart of the Humane Society Board of Directors. ‘If anyone knows anything about this incident I urge them to contact the RCIPS with the information. There should be absolutely no tolerance in the Cayman Islands of this type of behaviour.’
If there are stray animals in your area, call the Cayman Islands Humane Society at 949-1461. Strays will be taken to the Society’s animal shelter on North Sound Way.
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