Flynn recovers from his injuries. Photo: San Diego Humane Society
SAN DIEGO–Flynn, a two-month old Chihuahua puppy, was brought to the San Diego Humane Society on June 5 with severe injuries to his mouth which appear to be caused from rubber bands bound tightly around his muzzle that sliced through the puppy’s muzzle down to the bone.
This incredibly painful infliction constitutes animal abuse in the state of California and authorities are hoping community tips will lead to an arrest. San Diego Humane Society veterinarians performed immediate reconstructive surgery on Flynn to repair his injuries with a positive prognosis for his survival and rehabilitation. The Humane Law Enforcement division of San Diego Humane Society and SPCA has opened an animal cruelty investigation with the hopes of pursuing felony charges.
“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,” says Steve MacKinnon, Chief of Humane Law Enforcement for the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. MacKinnon explained that Flynn was found abandoned at a Chevron station in Oceanside.
MacKinnon continues, “We’ve opened an investigation to find the person(s) responsible for his injuries, but we have very little information about what happened. 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.”
San Diego Humane Society Veterinarian, Dr. Brie Sarvis says “We’ve treated Flynn for weakness and a severe laceration to his muzzle. He is now eating well and growing like a normal puppy, however his wound is very deep and will take some time to heal. At this time, we’re not sure if he will need additional surgeries, but we are continuing to monitor his progress. He will likely have a permanent scar from these wounds.”
Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society says, “What happened to Flynn is horrific and, unfortunately, we see animal cruelty like this all too often. We rely on information from the community to be able to seek justice for these defenseless animals. Fighting animal cruelty is one of our primary missions.”
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. Leads can be reported through an anonymous tip line on www.sdcrimestoppers.com, or by calling (888) 580-8477. Information can also be reported to the San Diego Humane Society at www.sdhumane.org, or by calling (619) 243-3466.
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