A grisly incident in South Florida has animal lovers outraged and a veterinary team tirelessly working to save the life of a severely injured dog. The dog, known as Hunter, was discovered with a deep slash across his neck in Pembroke Pines and was later identified to be suffering from additional injuries possibly inflicted by a machete, according to NBC Miami.
The bulldog mix was found early Friday morning, visibly wounded and staggering into a local resident's backyard on Madison Street in Hollywood. “We worked on the muscles deep, we put them together like a reconstruction, and then once we were able to approach the skin we put a lot of staples in,” Dr. Ember Moreno, who performed a two-hour surgery on the canine, told NBC Miami. Investigators are currently probing into the disturbing possibility that the gruesome injuries were the result of an intentional act.
Adding to the dog's plight, veterinarians at Sunshine Animal Hospital noted that Hunter also requires ACL surgery, which compounds the already staggering medical costs. The nonprofit groups I Heart Animal Rescue and the Brady Hunter Foundation have stepped in to aid with the medical expenses, which are expected to reach about $10,000. Cindy Hunt, the Good Samaritan who discovered the ailing pup, recounted to Local 10 the horrific scene saying, "It was across her shoulder blades, down her side, and the skin had separated a lot, so it was a big area."
The animal rescue organizations are not just tending to Hunter's physical wounds but also endeavoring to find a new home for him after he recovers. The local community, meanwhile, has been urged to stay vigilant. “If you see something, say something -- just don’t let your neighbor have dogs tied up in the backyard, or in cages,” Cindy Mucciaccio with I Heart Animal Rescue implored in an interview with Local 10. Anyone looking to support Hunter's recovery or interested in adoption can follow I Heart Animal Rescue on Instagram or reach out to them directly.
As the investigation into the incident continues, animal advocates and concerned citizens alike hope that whoever is responsible for the shocking mistreatment of Hunter will be held accountable. Donations for Hunter's medical bills are being solicited, with information available on I Heart Animal Rescue's social media channels for those who wish to contribute.
