Brownwood Animal Control, Brownwood Police and EMS were called Monday to an incident of animal cruelty where an owner had allegedly stabbed his pit bull multiple times resulting in the animal being taken to a local veterinary office for emergency care.
According to BPD animal control officer Judy Williams, the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 a.m. Monday morning after the owner stated that he could no longer care for the 4-5 year-old male pit bull dog and was attempting to euthanize it himself.
The red and white pit bull is being referred to as “Red” as his name was not available at the time of the incident. The owner had been transported by EMS after the incident, according to initial unofficial reports.
Williams stated that she took the animal to the Small Animal Medical Center, operated by doctors David Geeslin, DVM and Gayland Gowdy, DVM. Red was initially taken to the veterinarians in an effort to get him treatment for his serious injuries as well as to document how many wounds he suffered during the attack. Staff at the veterinary clinic stated Red was stabbed multiple times all over his body and had cuts on his head.
Red is a very docile male and did not provoke his attack, according to police. Despite his injuries, Williams stated that Red was “not vicious at all” and wagged his tail at her when she entered the yard where he was injured. The dog was able to walk to the patrol unit, jump in and even walked into the veterinary clinic on his own free will, probably due to the adrenaline he experienced during the attack, said Williams. She explained that in the condition Red was when he was initially brought to the clinic, had she taken him to the animal shelter, they would have had no option other than to put him down.
Amy Geeslin of the Small Animal Clinic stated that doctors would initially treat him for shock and control the bleeding he was experiencing. Tuesday afternoon, veterinary technician Lisa Schwartz at the clinic confirmed that Red had survived and that he is doing as well as expected. She stated, “It’s amazing for him to be so sweet for what he has been through.”
Brownwood Assistant Chief of Police James Fuller stated that he had not received the full report but that the dog was being beaten by his 53-year-old owner with a hammer when a neighbor called for help. Fuller also stated that the dog had been stabbed and the owner was attempting to hang him during the incident. The offense is a crime and is currently under further investigation, said Fuller; however no arrest had been made yet as of Tuesday morning.
“If you reach a point that you can’t care for or you feel your options have run out, call animal control,” said Fuller. “What happens to the animal can be a grim reality (as in euthanasia) but it’s better than what happened yesterday. The reality is that you have to be a responsible pet owner.”
Fuller explained that when animal control picks up an unwanted pet, they take them to the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center, where “they put forth all their efforts to find a loving home for the animals.”
Animal Control Officer Williams stated that Red obviously cannot go back to his owner and needs a home and funds for his medical expenses.
Freda Day, Administrative Manager of the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center in Brownwood, stated that CTSAC offers alternatives for animal owners that find they can no longer care for a pet, with very humane options.
“We take every animal that’s brought to us. We only guarantee that we will do our best to find a home for them,” said Day. “In cases where we have to euthanize animals, it is a very gentle process with no fear or pain to the animal.”
Day explained that CTSAC never charges an intake fee, ever. “We don’t want people to hurt an animal or dump them somewhere,” she stated. “We hate putting animals down but it’s better than that option (referring to Monday’s attack). I just cannot process it unless it is a psychotic episode.” She explained that anyone can bring an animal for euthanizing, which is a $20 charge if they are sick or hurt; however, she stated if there is a better way for an animal, they use it, such as adoption or putting an animal into a foster home or a rescue shelter.
Day stated that the CTSAC took in 3708 cats and dogs in the last 12 months. This is not counting animals such as ducks, geese, ferrets, and more. Of these over 3700 animals, CTSAC was able to find adoptive homes for 529, sent 701 to rescue shelters and helped 277 animals get back to their owners.
As of Monday afternoon, the shelter was over their typical capacity at 63 cats and 93 dogs, some of which were litters that had been brought in, according to Day. She stated that the animal center had received a grant which will help with the local spay and neuter program. Those who cannot afford to have their animals spayed or neutered can come to the shelter and apply for a voucher, which can be taken to participating local veterinarians for these services. For more information about CTSAC’s services, CLICK HERE.
The doctors and their staff at the Small Animal Medical Clinic are accepting donations to help pay for the care of Red who also needs to find a new home. Anyone interested in adopting him can contact Karen at the Small Animal Medical Center by calling 325-646-2275.
Pictured above is “Red” shortly after the attack.
