PETA Offers $2,500 Reward For Suspect After Stray Dog Found Intentionally Burned
WEST LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County animal authorities continued to search on Friday for those responsible for intentionally using acid to burn a stray Golden Retriever.
On Aug. 11, a good Samaritan found a 1-year-old dog named Fergus wandering the streets near a Wal-Mart store in Lancaster.
According to the Southern California Golden Retriever rescue group, Fergus was found suffering from third-degree chemical burns from his head to his tail.
He was surrendered to an animal shelter. Days later, Fergus was released to the rescue group and was then transferred to the Animal Medical Center in West Los Angeles for treatment.
Authorities believe someone deliberately doused the young dog with battery acid. In fact, the burns were so severe that the nerves along his back were killed as a result of the crime.
"When you think you've seen it all, you are always proven wrong," members of the rescue group said. "The inhumanity of human's is unbearable at times."
According to his veterinarian, Dr. Alan Schulman, Fergus is responding very well to antibiotic treatment and medications.
"Unfortunately, this not being my first rodeo with dogs that are like this," Schulman said. "It's terrible to say, but without a doubt, you're looking at some sort of a malicious injury that has been induced by some type of chemical burn."
Meanwhile, an animal clinic in Pasadena has offered their hyperbaric chamber to help in Fergus's healing.
Since Aug. 10, three other dogs have been surrendered to the same shelter in Lancaster with similar burns.
As a result, L.A. County Animal authorities believe someone could be abusing other animals.
Authorities have launched an investigation, however, no arrests have been made at this time.
PETA has offered a $2,500 reward for information that would lead to the arrest of those responsible for committing the horrific crime.
"It takes a dangerous lack of empathy to pour acid on a dog and leave him for dead on the side of the road," said PETA Senior Director Colleen O'Brien. "PETA is urging anyone with information about this case to come forward now, before anyone else is hurt."
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $21,000 to help pay for his medical bills. To donate, click here.
Fergus will be available for adoption in two months.
Anyone with information regarding this case has been urged to contact the Lancaster Animal Shelter at (661) 940-4191.
