MERRIAM, Kan. — Organizers at one local animal rescue society are caring for an injured dog, thrown from a truck as it sped down I-435.
Veterinarians are calling it “a crisis case.”
Organizers at Great Plains SPCA in Merriam want to know who threw a dog from a moving vehicle on Interstate 435 at 87th Street on Sunday evening.
A Good Samaritan says she saw the dog thrown from the truck on the freeway, and stopped to bring it in for treatment. The fall left the beagle-terrier mix, which shelter workers are calling Homer, with a huge gash to its head, but somehow, no broken bones.
Rachel Hodgson with Great Plains SPCA shared the photos of the dog on social media. They have stirred feelings of outrage with animal lovers.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Hodgson said. “It’s hard to imagine who would do that to this poor dog. I can tell he’s sweet. He just hasn’t been treated very well.”
Veterinarians say the gash above Homer’s left eye came when he landed on his head.
Dr. Nicole Slater is one of the vets caring for Homer. She says the Great Plains staff believes the dog will survive.
“He seems friendly right now,” Dr. Slater said. “He let me pet his head even though it’s uncomfortable. I think he’s probably a really nice dog.”
“Unfortunately, we see quite a few of these things, and it’s just sickening,” she said.
Hodgson says police could come into the case, once Homer is healthy again.
“We are not typically having pets like homer in our care,” Hodgson said. “We certainly are helping with medical care every day, but he’s certainly a special case.”
The good news for Homer is that his medical outlook seems pretty good. Hodgson says once doctors get him up and running, the priority will be either to find his rightful owner or to find a new place for Homer to call home.
Great Plains SPCA has set up a special fund to cover Homer’s mounting medical expenses.
Click here for Great Plains SPCA webpage, where you’ll find the organization’s contact info.
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