3 Arrested in Louisiana After Dog Found With Legs ‘Sawed Off’

Stock photo of a dog. Shutterstock

Authorities in Louisiana said three people have been arrested—including a mother and daughter—and face cruelty to animals charges after a dog was found with its hind legs amputated.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office was cited by WDSU as saying that animal cruelty charges have been brought against a 50-year-old woman, her 17-year-old daughter, and another 17-year-old. The suspects have not been identified by name.

Officers were called to a mobile home park in Slidell on Sept. 25, Fox5 reported, in response to reports of a dog with its back legs missing.

“As a dog owner myself, I was completely appalled when we received a complaint of such horrific animal cruelty in our community. Our investigators acted swiftly, and the parties responsible have been charged accordingly,” Sheriff Randy Smith told WGNO-TV.

According to an online funding campaign set up to help with the animal’s medical expenses, the 2-year-old dog named Buddy “endured the unthinkable.”

“A few days ago he was found in the pouring rain,” the campaign page states. “When the finder picked him up they noticed he was missing both his back legs.”

Police cited by WWL-TV said the dog’s legs were paralyzed in February, after he was shot. The dog’s owners—identified as the mother and daughter—reportedly did not provide adequate care for the injured animal and it dragged its legs around, causing sores.

The suspects claimed they bandaged the dog’s legs too tightly, causing its legs to fall off.

But a vet who examined the dog said its wounds indicated deliberate action, according to the campaign page.

“Buddy’s back legs were intentionally sawed off!!” it noted. “He has bone sticking out and infection setting in.” The campaign description also said the dog had to have a blood transfusion to survive.

The veterinarian told WWL-TV that Buddy’s wounds were “maliciously inflicted” and that his bones had “irregular separation.”

“His wounds were cleaned, he had an IV and urinary catheter placed and is now on IV antibiotics and pain meds until his values come up enough to survive surgery,” the campaign page noted. “His X-rays also show he has two bullets near his back.”

An animal rescue group was cited by WDSU as saying the dog was on pain medication and antibiotics.

Donors to the “Buddy had his legs sawed off! He needs our help now!” campaign had, at the time of reporting, contributed nearly $16,000.

Reporting Animal Abuse

In the United States, there are a number of ways to report suspected animal abuse cases. The best way is reporting suspected cruelty to local law enforcement agencies, humane organizations, animal control, or an animal shelter.

“A concise, written, factual statement of what you observed—giving dates and approximate times whenever possible—to provide to law enforcement” is preferable, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“If you can, provide law enforcement with the names and contact information of other people who have firsthand information about the abusive situation. It is possible to file an anonymous report, but please consider providing your information. The case is more likely to be pursued when there are credible witnesses willing to stand behind the report and, if necessary, testify in court.”

Physical signs of cruelty include: a tight collar that has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck, open wounds, fur infested with fleas, and visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness.

Epoch Times reporter Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.