JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- An innocent life became a helpless victim of serious abuse. According to Denise Deisler, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Humane Society, a concerned community member called Animal Care and Protective Services Friday after spotting a female pit bull mix suffering in pain.
The dog, now being called Flo, was immediately taken to the Humane Society where she underwent surgery.
"It seems apparent from the injuries it was intentional," Deisler told Action News.
Beaten, battered and bruised, Flo was left for dead. Vets say her skull was cracked open like an egg.
"There were metal fragments around the wound on her skull," she said. "She also had a wound to her mouth and had fractured teeth and caused several of the teeth to break away and there were metal fragments on those as well."
Deisler says the weapon of choice was likely a hammer and it was pounded into her head with great force. As heartbreaking as that is, this is treatment Flo knows all too well. Deisler says Flo's weak body is lined with scars from beatings past.
"She has one pretty long gash on her back that's healed over now but clearly was a wound that was not tended to and not treated when it was inflicted."
Friday evening, she's resting and is finally surrounded by safety. Those at the shelter vow to never let her suffer like that again. But the fact of the matter is her abuser is still out there.
"We want to know who did this and we want them off the street and not able to do it again," Deisler said.
An investigation is now under way to determine who is responsible. The Humane Society folks are hoping Flo is able to make a full recovery. They don't think her injuries effected her brain, but it was exposed.
But even while suffering and in pain, vets say Flo was sweet and gentle when she was brought in Friday. She's named after Bo, another victim of abuse they recently nursed back to health. Thanks to the community coming forward, Bo's alleged abuser was arrested.
Anyone with any information on Flo's abuse is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS or the Humane Society. You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your tip leads to an arrest.
