LOS ANGELES — A California dog is recovering after being found close to death in a Los Angeles alley.
The pit bull mix, now named Avery, was found with a deceased dog in the alley Monday. She had strangulation marks around her neck and was beaten and spray painted.
"We went out to see if we could go out and rescue and found her tied with an electrical cord tied to a fence. And she had clearly been beaten and spray-painted and had a lot of injuries. The other dog, unfortunately, was not found alive,” said Ellie Roberto of Animal Hope and Wellness, a nonprofit rescue group in Sherman Oaks, Ca.
The organization rushed Avery to a local veterinary hospital where she suffered from several seizures. Veterinarian Dr. Brian McGrath said the seizures were due to brain swelling and lack of oxygen from when she was beaten and strangled.
"When she came in, she had an electrical cord around her neck that they were using to basically try to hang her, so she had some lacerations on her neck from the electrical cord and some damage to her esophagus and throat,” McGrath said.
On top of Avery's already poor condition, the malnourished dog was suffering from mange and chemical burns from an unknown substance in her eyes.
Animal Hope and Wellness Founder Marc Ching said her assault was likely part of a gang initiation.
Avery’s abuse has been reported to law enforcement and she will go to a foster once she leaves the hospital. Once her hair grows back, she will be put up for adoption.
"I feel hurt, obviously being a vet, you're someone that cares about animals and people, and to know that a person could do that to an animal is obviously disheartening to the entire human race, but I also feel very fortunate that I'm in a position to work with Marc and his rescue and help these animals who will have a fulfilling life,” McGrath said.
