The Pennsylvania SPCA is actively searching for the person or individuals who grievously wounded a dog named Maverick by shooting it in the head. Found in Southwest Philadelphia last month, Maverick was discovered with a critical gunshot wound above his left eye. According to NBC Philadelphia, a Good Samaritan located the injured dog near Crane Street, close to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, on November 20.

Following the incident, Maverick was quickly transported to PASE Animal Hospital by a kind stranger. The PSPCA believes that the shot was likely to have been fired at close range, given the size and severity of the wound. Despite having been left with a head tilt, a delayed gait in his right hind end, and trauma to his left forebrain, Maverick has since stabilized and is currently recovering under the care of the PSPCA's Main Line Animal Rescue. "It seems clear from Maverick's injuries that the responsible party intended to kill this sweet dog. But, miraculously, Maverick survived," Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, said in a statement obtained by CBS News Philadelphia.

Klim continued to highlight the gravity of the cruelty suffered by Maverick, asserting in a statement obtained by 6abc Philadelphia that "This act of cruelty is especially heartless." She elaborated, "We at the Pennsylvania SPCA are going to do everything we can to not only find those responsible, but importantly, give Maverick the best life - where he will never again be subjected to such horrific cruelty."

Despite the ordeal, Maverick's spirit remains unbroken. "Every day he gets more energy and loves being around people, despite the cruelty he's been shown," Alicia Royer of the PSPCA's Main Line Animal Rescue site said in an interview with 6abc Philadelphia. In a bid to find justice for Maverick, the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team has since taken over the investigation and the dog's ongoing care. They are urging anyone with information about the heinous act to reach out. The organization has provided a cruelty hotline, 866-601-7722, and an email, [email protected], where tips can be shared anonymously.