GONZALES — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for Monterey County is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for neglecting, abusing and likely abandoning a dog found in Gonzales last week.
Last Monday, March 6, a Good Samaritan found a gray pit bull about 3 years old in a field off Gonzales River Road. They offered treats to the scared dog so they could catch him and bring him to the SPCA for emergency care.
The dog, who SPCA staff named Hastings, was suffering from a severely embedded chain around his neck. The tight, heavy chain, which the finders removed, cut into the skin all the way around his neck about 1.5 centimeters deep, causing pain, swelling and a serious infection.
SPCA veterinarians performed emergency surgery to clean, treat and suture his wounds. The chain left gaping wounds ranging from 3 to 5 centimeters wide.
Hastings also has ears cropped almost all the way to his skull, which appear to be done not under the care of a veterinarian.
In addition, he was emaciated, approximately 13 to 18 pounds underweight, and has pressure sores on his legs. He was also very dirty and covered in fleas. A soothing, warm bath removed fleas, caked on mud and feces.
Following emergency surgery, SPCA staff provided soft bedding, fresh water, nutritious food and lots of love to help him heal.
“We hope this reward will inspire someone to come forward with information,” said Jacob Duarte, SPCA Humane Investigations Supervisor. “This poor dog was suffering and had been in pain for quite some time. Our goal is to find the person responsible so this never happens again.”
If caught, the owners could potentially be charged with animal cruelty, willful abandonment of an animal and permitting animals to go without care.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the SPCA at 831-373-2631. All calls are confidential. To donate to help rescue abused and neglected animals, call the SPCA at 831-264-5421 or donate online at SPCAmc.org.
