A four-month-old beagle puppy was found in the Bronx tied to a pole and suffering from severe injuries after reportedly being beaten, according to an animal rescue organization.
Officials from Looking Glass Animal Rescue took in the puppy, which they’ve named Cleo, on Monday and are asking for help from the public identifying the person responsible.
The four-month-old puppy suffered a fractured nasal cavity, a fractured eye socket, and a fractured jaw, according to Looking Glass Animal Rescue, as well as symmetrical fractured in both cheeks, which the organization says could only come from being slammed by two objects at the same time or from something like a door.
Cleo also had an abscess on her head, parasites in her belly and cuts and scratches on her neck and shoulders.
“How she survived is a miracle,” the organization said in a statement. “But she has a long road ahead and we will not stop until she not only gets pain-free and healthy but also gets the justice she deserves.”
Bronx puppy in ‘critical condition:’ Animal Care Centers of NYC
NYPD confirmed that an anonymous caller reported seeing a dog beaten in the Bronx on Monday. Officers from the 48th precinct went to the area, where they found the puppy abandoned.
A spokesperson for the department told Metro that upon observation, the dog did not appear to have any obvious external injuries and there were no witnesses around to talk to police about the incident, so they could not pursue an animal cruelty case. The responding officers took the puppy to city animal care.
Animal Care Centers of NYC confirmed that the puppy was found tied in front of a Bronx barber shop on East 182 Street. The puppy was brought to the Bronx Admissions Center, where Animal Care Centers staff then arranged for emergency transport to the Manhattan care center, so that Cleo could be assessed by a veterinarian.
“Our intake staff was visibly shaken by how bad the dog looked and acted,” an Animal Care Centers of NYC spokesperson said in an email.
Officials at Animal Care Centers of NYC also reached out to Looking Glass Animal Rescue to take in the puppy and help provide treatment. The rescue is an Animal Care Centers of NYC New Hope partner.
The four-month-old Bronx puppy’s vet bill is more than $5,000, according to Looking Glass Animal Rescue.
“She is in critical condition right now, but has been eating like a champ – which is a very good sign,” the Animal Care Centers of NYC spokesperson said.
The rescue organization is pushing for an animal cruelty investigation and asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or online at nypdcrimestoppers.nyc.gov. Tips to Crime Stoppers can be reported anonymously. Looking Glass Animal Rescue is also seeking donations to help pay for Cleo’s care.
