Female pitbull-type dog found with open wounds, covered in maggots and left to die
Philadelphia, PA (July 2, 2018) - The Pennsylvania SPCA is asking for the public’s help uncovering information about a female pitbull-type dog found discarded in what appeared to be a fitted sheet in North Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 20. The dog, who has been named Brownie, was found suffering from many open wounds and covered in maggots, seemingly left to die.
The Animal Care and Control Team picked up Brownie, and suspected animal cruelty, transferred her into the care of Pennsylvania SPCA to receive medical treatment and investigation.
Brownie was transported to the PSPCA where her injuries were evaluated. Due to the multiple open wounds which had become infected, multiple areas of Brownie’s skin had begun to die. The necrotic skin led to Brownie be covered in maggots. The PSPCA’s Shelter Hospital staff immediately went to work to clean Brownie’s wounds and work to save her life.
Miraculously over the course of the next several days, Brownie’s condition began to improve. She underwent surgery to remove dead skin on a large portion of her head, which included the removal of one of her ears. She will likely also lose skin and muscle around one of her elbows, but is on the road to recovery.
Information about how Brownie ended up abandoned in this condition is still being uncovered, and the PSPCA is asking for the help of anyone who may know Brownie, have information about her owner, or witnessed her being dumped in North Philadelphia.
“When Brownie arrived at our Shelter Hospital, her condition was so poor, verging on sepsis, that we weren’t sure she would survive,” said Dr. JoEllen Bruinooge, PSPCA Shelter Hospital Veterinarian. “The maggots and dying, infected tissue, were just the tip of the iceberg - her body was starting to shut down. She required a blood transfusion because her blood counts dropped dangerously low, aggressive antibiotics and pain control, IV fluid support, and surgical intervention. As with all of our animals, we knew we would do everything we could to save her life, and her sweet demeanor is only further proof of the resiliency of dogs like her.”
“While there are many things we don’t yet know about Brownie’s story and how she ended up abandoned and left to die on the streets of Philadelphia, we do know there is someone out there who recognizes Brownie,” said Nicole Wilson, Director of Humane Law Enforcement at the PSPCA. “We are asking those individuals to do the right thing and come forward to uncover what happened, who did this and bring them to justice.”
Anyone with information in this case should call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.
To donate to Brownie's care: https://www.pspca.org/brownie
About the Pennsylvania SPCA
Since 1867, the Pennsylvania SPCA, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization headquartered at 350 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, has been dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and rescuing animals from abuse and neglect. The Pennsylvania SPCA's lifesaving programs for animals include a low-cost veterinary clinic, low-cost spay and neuter services, pet adoption facilities, and the Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Law Enforcement Department. For more information about adopting, donating or volunteering, please call (215) 426.6300 or visit www.pspca.org.