An up to $1,000 reward was put up today for information leading to the arrest of whoever bound a two-month-old Chihuahua puppy’s muzzle — which left him with cuts down to the bone — and abandoned him at an Oceanside gas station.
The puppy, named “Flynn,” was brought to the San Diego Humane Society two weeks ago after he was found severely injured from what authorities said were likely rubber bands. He immediately underwent reconstructive surgery, officials with the local Humane Society said.
“The injuries indicate that Flynn likely had rubber bands bound tightly around his muzzle, which killed the tissue and cut into his flesh all the way to the bone,” Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Steve MacKinnon said.
Flynn was treated for a severe laceration to his muzzle and for weakness, but San Diego Humane Society Veterinarian Brie Sarvis said the wound was very deep and would take time to heal.
“At this time, we’re not sure if he will need additional surgeries, but we are continuing to monitor his progress,” Sarvis said. “He will likely have a permanent scar from these wounds.”
Following surgery to repair his injuries, veterinarians gave Flynn a positive prognosis for survival and rehabilitation.
Sarvis said Flynn was now eating well and growing like a normal puppy.
The Humane Law Enforcement division of the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA has launched an investigation that could result in felony charges. Agency officials said they hoped tipsters would come forward with information that would lead them to Flynn’s abuser.
However, MacKinnon said investigators had very little information about what happened before the puppy was found.
“We’re asking the community to please report any information or possible leads so we can find the person responsible, or Flynn’s previous owners,” he said.
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the San Diego Humane Society at (619) 243-3466, or via email at sdhumane.org; or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.com.
Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 being offered by Crime Stoppers.
— City News Service