Local veterinarian optimistic surviving rescued pitbulls will recover
A veterinarian said he is hopeful two pit bulls placed in his care after a mass rescue effort from a secluded Smithfield property will make a full recovery.
“Boy, if something happens to you, I would be upset,” said Dr. William Sheperd as he nuzzled an eight- to 10-week-old female puppy at Camelot Veterinary Services. “We can’t have anything happen to you.”
A total of about 29 pit bulls were found at the remote property Tuesday. Three dogs were found dead in an open pit. The female puppy’s brother died on the way to receive treatment. An adult dog, who is about 5 years old, was also taken to the Uniontown clinic.
“We got the worst of the bunch,” Sheperd said.
The other dogs were taken to area humane society shelters, where they will be put up for adoption, he said. Many appeared to be malnourished. He said the dogs that were brought to him were starving and suffering from parasites.
“It’s been a harrowing couple days, that’s for sure, for the state police and everyone involved because everyone gets so emotionally involved in a cruelty case. It takes a lot out of you,” he said.
Sheperd said the dogs in his care did not have injuries indicating they were used in dog fights. He said the older dog had lesions on his neck from a collar, where he was chained outside. The adult has a 90 percent chance of recovering, while the young female has about a 75 percent chance to recover. Both dogs are eating well, he said. The male already gained about five pounds in just two days.
He said the dogs’ owner is in jail, and those left to care for the animals did not have the money to provide adequate care.
Sheperd often helps to prosecute animal cruelty cases in the region, but seeing neglected animals never gets easier, he said.
“There’s nothing more precious than a little puppy,” he said. “It breaks your heart when they’re not getting the care they need.”
Staff said they have already received calls to adopt the puppy. They said they hope people will also want to adopt the older male, whom they said is very loving.