The tiny, white Chow Chow-mix puppy is only seven weeks old. She was suffering from gaping, maggot-infested wounds when she was found whimpering in the bushes Tuesday at a Starbucks at the intersection of Kingwood Drive and Green Oaks Drive.
According to officials, a harness was so tightly strapped to the puppy's body that it became deeply embedded in her skin.
The puppy was rushed to the shelter where a Houston SPCA veterinary team has been administering pain medication, antibiotics and wound cleanings to get the puppy on the road to recovery.
She is not currently available for adoption because of the severity of her injuries, but the Houston SPCA team is optimistic about her chances for a full recovery. Officials said she will likely need additional surgeries before she is completely healed.
Anyone with information on a suspect or suspects in this case is asked to call the Houston SPCA at 713-869-7722 or file an online cruelty report at www.houstonspca.org. Complainant information is not released by Houston SPCA investigators and every measure will be taken to ensure confidentiality.
If prosecuted in a criminal case, a person convicted of animal cruelty in Texas may face penalties including fines, jail or both. Those under the age of 18 are also required to undergo counseling if convicted of animal cruelty.
To see a photo of the injured puppy and get more information on how you can help, visit www.houstonspca.org. (Warning: The image may be too graphic for some viewers.)
Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
