Pennsylvania SPCA Shelter Hospital Staff works to save dog injured intentionally by owner; Humane Law Enforcement to press felony charges

4-year-old pittie named Haze has recovered at the PSPCA and is available for adoption

Philadelphia, PA (December 15, 2017) – The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Shelter Hospital team has saved the life of a dog injured intentionally by its owner and surrendered to the city shelter. The PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team is working to bring charges against the owner, which will be among the first felony charges under the new Libre’s Law.

On Monday, November 27, the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team received a call from the city shelter stating that a gentleman had tried to surrender his dog with a severe injury to its hind left leg. The injury severed a number of bones in the leg. The dog, a 4-year-old pitbull mix named Haze, was immediately transferred into the care of the PSPCA’s medical team.

Upon investigation, PSPCA officers discovered that Haze’s owner had admitted to intentionally hurting  the dog when the dog had allegedly acted out. The PSPCA’s Shelter Hospital team tried to stabilize the leg, but it was too severe and his hind leg had to be amputated at the hip.

Haze has spent the last several weeks under the watchful eye of the PSPCA’s Shelter Hospital team, and is now deemed healthy enough to search for his forever home.

“It was clear upon arrival, and from the evidence that our team was able to gather, that the injury to Haze was inflicted intentionally and would be considered maiming under Libre’s Law,” said Nicole Wilson, PSPCA Director of Humane Law Enforcement. “Thanks to the work of our skilled veterinary staff, Haze has made a full recovery, albeit on three legs. Now it’s our turn to file charges, which we plan to pursue as a felony.”