Horribly Neglected and Matted Beyond Belief

MERRIAM, KS--(Marketwire - September 18, 2009) - At 9:15 AM this morning, a volunteer walking a dog down the drive to Animal Haven saw something rustling in the leaves and dirt. At first glance you could hardly tell it was a dog. Matted so severely, its head could not be discerned from the rest of its body. Mats covered both eyes. A terrible stench came from the maggots in an open wound on one leg. Unable to see or walk normally, this dog had been tied to a tree and abandoned by his owner outside the gates of the shelter.

How long it had been there was not known. "Because of the hair color and mats it blended in with the mulch under the tree. Additionally, because of how the dog was tied and his condition, the dog could not stand," said Denny Moriarty, the shelter's Director of Operations.

Staff Veterinarian Bonnie Dechant, who began attending to the dog immediately, was initially unsure of its prognosis. "For a pet to get to this degree of neglect, it takes many, many months," said Dechant. "We will know more at the end of the day," she said as she prepared to stabilize and then anesthetize the dog to begin further evaluation and treatment.

If anyone has any information regarding this dog they are encouraged to let Animal Haven or the Merriam Police Department know.

"The act of dumping dogs is nothing new to Animal Haven," said Eric Hacker, also with Animal Haven. "This is a severe case, but unfortunately not unusual. Donations are needed so that we may continue to help these abused, abandoned, and unwanted pets. We rely on public support." If there is one thing for people to take away from a situation like this it is to be proactive. When a person finds themselves in a situation where they cannot care for a pet, they need to look for resources to help now.

So far in 2009, 2,927 animals have come through Animal Haven's doors. Established in 1966, Animal Haven is greater Kansas City's largest no-kill shelter. Believing that every adoptable pet deserves a lifelong caring home, Animal Haven serves as a home between homes for as long as the pet needs it and never euthanizes for space.

Animal Haven is located in Merriam, Kansas off of I-35 and 67th Street. www.animalhavenkc.org

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Contact: Brendan Wiley Email Contact 913-626-7620