Paralyzed French bulldog abandoned at South End park

A heartless owner abandoned a helpless, paralyzed French bulldog at a South End park, leaving her to spend her final hours with strangers before she was euthanized.

Now, the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s law enforcement department is looking for information that could lead to the owner’s arrest.

The approximately 3-year-old dog nicknamed “French Fry” was found on April 25, her hind legs paralyzed, just outside the dog-park area at Peters Park.

“We certainly understand that when a pet owner is dealing with a medical situation with their animal, it can be overwhelming, emotionally and financially. We always urge people to just pick up the phone and call us,” said Mike DeFina, a rescue league spokesman. “But you never abandon an animal. It’s sad that French Fry spent her last hours in the company of strangers.”

Witnesses reported seeing a man and woman with the dog for a short time before the couple walked away from her, DeFina said. There was also surveillance video showing the two, he said, but they were wearing masks, making it difficult for witnesses to describe any identifying features.

A Good Samaritan who found French Fry brought her to a local veterinary clinic for examination, DeFina said. Clinic staff confirmed the dog’s hind-limb paralysis and also noted she was dehydrated, suffered hemorrhaging in the left eye and had an elevated body temperature, he said.

Because of her paralysis, the dog was brought to another veterinary hospital for a neurological exam and an MRI. The exam and imaging revealed intervertebral disc disease, which can be common in the breed.

“A disc explodes out of its place and puts pressure on the spinal cord, causing paralysis and pain,” said Dr. Danielle Youngman, a rescue league veterinarian. “A neurologist at VCA South Shore Weymouth Animal Hospital said even with surgery, she most likely wouldn’t be able to walk again or urinate or defecate on her own. So he thought euthanasia was the only option.”

While the dog’s condition was deemed genetic, abandoning an animal is a felony in Massachusetts, punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The rescue league is asking anyone who recognizes French Fry or her owner(s) to contact its law enforcement department at 617-426-9170, extension 110, or email cruelty@arlboston.org.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3g03H5Q