A dog found nearly two weeks in Webster County with its mouth taped shut is recovering and a reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The Starkville-based Oktibbeha County Humane Society and Barb Mauller of Eupora’s Little Mountain Rescue provided this information about the abused dog:
OCHS was contacted March 6 about a male lab/hound mix spotted in the area of Highway 404 and Shaw Road west of Bellefontaine with tape wrapped around the nose and jaw, so his mouth could not open. His nose and tongue had swelled, and his tongue, which was turning black, protruded from his mouth.
Throughout that weekend, rescuers with OCHS, Small Mercies Animal Rescue, LMR and members of the community worked together to humanely trap “Shaw,” the dog whose mouth was taped, and a smaller female dog accompanying him. She was named “Pilgrim” after the nearby Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church.
Both dogs were trapped separately the afternoon of March 8. They were immediately taken to Self Creek Veterinary Clinic for medical care, where the tape was removed from Shaw’s snout. He was given fluids because of dehydration and diluted canned food that was syringed into his mouth.
OCHS Board Member Ardra Morgan told the Starkville Daily News both dogs were covered in ticks and fleas, and had intestinal parasites.
“They had been on their own and been neglected,” she said.
Shaw later underwent surgery to debride the wound and suture some tears. Mauller said late last week that Shaw was healing well at the veterinarian’s office, with the swelling gone from his mouth and nose. Blood flow had returned to his tongue, and he was eating dry food and taking treats. OCHS stated its veterinarian was optimistic that he might regain total function of his tongue.
OCHS said its veterinarian thinks Shaw and Pilgrim are siblings, not more than a year old. They will be headed into foster care together until Shaw is healed and ready to find his forever home, according to OCHS. A new adoptive family met with them Friday and the meeting went well, Mauller stated.
OCHS is offering an $1,100 reward raised through community supporters for information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for abusing Shaw. All tips should be sent to the Webster County Sheriff’s Department at 258-7701.
Nearly $2,700 has been raised for OCHS through an online fundraising campaign to go toward Shaw’s care; anything raised beyond his needs will benefit other animals in similar circumstances.
