Mahoning Dog Warden takes in two wounded dogs in two days

Slate

The fundraising arm of the Mahoning County Dog Pound has spent more than $134,000 on veterinary bills so far this year caring for abused and neglected animals.

The donations collected by Friends of Fido go to care for dogs like Slate, who was found by a good Samaritan on Thursday wandering near East High School in Youngstown.

It’s not yet known if Slate has another name.  That’s what volunteers are calling him as they wait to hear from the veterinarian who’s treating puncture wounds and abrasions on his body.

Slate smells of blood and infection, as the pooch struggles to walk due to his front leg injuries, according to the group’s Facebook post.

They’re hoping Slate has a better outcome than another dog found by a woman who called police after finding the dog in a field on Blaine near Wilson Avenue on Wednesday.

The officer held a doggie treat while approaching the black, younger female mixed pit bull. She immediately rolled over and exposed her belly, according to the report.

The dog was bleeding and had apparent punctures to her leg, neck, and side.

As they waited for the Dog Warden to arrive, the officer said the dog was alert and wagging its tail but remained lying down.

Dog Pound staff, who named her Maura, said the dog appeared to be friendly and sweet.

The dog was taken for veterinary care but passed away. 

According to the Dog Warden, the dog had been shot several times. There were wounds to the neck and shoulder and a catastrophic wound to the chest that had filled her lungs with blood.

The Police Officer went back to where Maura was found to look for any evidence and researched the call history for any reports of gunfire in the area but found nothing to find out who had shot her.

The dog pound is holding her body for 72 hours in case there is a family who wants to claim her.

Maura had a green and brown collar but no tags on.

 Anyone who recognizes her is asked to call 330-740-2205 or email [email protected].

The Facebook post included the following message that sums up what the Dog Warden and Friends of Fido encounter too many times:

So many dogs in Mahoning County are neglected, abused and abandoned on a daily basis. If you follow this page or Animal Charity’s page you will witness these atrocities regularly. Every so often we are stopped in our tracks and brought to our knees by acts of what appears to be pure evil against these dogs. What has happened to humanity? Where did empathy, decency and compassion go? Every day it gets a little bit worse. Every day we ask why.

Rest in peace little girl. We are so sorry. 

Donations to Friends of Fido may be made by following this link.