SAVING VINCENT – THE FORT WORTH DOG ABUSE CASE

Perhaps you are aware of the recent seizure of 28 dogs  by Fort Worth Animal control on July 8 of this year. Among the greyhounds and greyhound mixes was a lone Saluki hound, the oldest domesticated dog breed. STOLA Saluki Rescue rescued him and named him Vincent. Vincent arrived at STOLA on July 8, starved, riddled with parasites,  eyes dripping with infection.  As of July 28 after three weeks of veterinary care, he has gained 7 pounds. Vincent and the other dogs were skin and bones and covered in ticks. One greyhound had over 1500 ticks and required a blood transfusion. “I’ve been doing greyhound rescue for 15 years, and this is the worst that I’ve ever seen,” said Susan Lemon, president of Greyhounds Unlimited, who was called to help evaluate the dogs’ condition.

Vincent, estimated to be 2  years old, arrived at STOLA in pitiful condition. Although heartworm negative, he is ehrlicia positive and has many blood and parasite related conditions as do most of the surviving dogs from this seizure. Many did not survive and our hearts go out to their extreme suffering.  Vincent was so riddled with parasites that a normal dose of Droncit and Panacur did not do the trick and additional doses had to be administered. Vincent is a tall, elegant Saluki with a lovely ’prancy’ gait, who should weigh 55+ lbs, but was rescued weighing  38 lbs. Fortunately, he is responding well to treatment and to lots of good food. Vincent is shedding his coat. He will probably lose all of it. He is getting  oatmeal baths for his skin and will be covered with a T-shirt until he is healed. His coat should come back in beautifully.

The very saddest part of this story is how sweet, and endearing this Saluki is, but one look at all of the pain in his eyes could cause a grown man to weep. Can you believe he still trusts people after this?

In a few months when he is ready to go to a new home,  he will make someone an amazingly loving and affectionate companion. Vincent is a STOLA angel in every way! STOLA will go even beyond their usual careful procedures to make sure he has the most wonderful home for the rest of his life. Youth is on his side and the loving volunteers at STOLA look forward to making sure that all his bad times are behind him.

At this point, it is not know if monster who treated these beautiful animals in such a shameful manner will get jail time, a fine, or a slap on the wrist. Our archaic animal laws do not do justice to the needs of our animals. “Cruelty to a non-livestock animal is generally a Class A misdemeanor and could lead to a sentence of a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000″, said Randy Turner, who has been practicing animal law in Fort Worth for 30 years. This appalling cruelty should certainly be a felony and this monster should serve jail time. Chances are very good he will be repeating his horrors all too soon.

One way to prevent this kind of abuse from happening is for all breeders and rescue groups to do home visits before placing any animal. That is the only way to truly assess the situation. Too often hoarders and abusers can be very charming and they can fool you. If they do not want you to see their homes, you can be sure there is a reason.

Please  support STOLA  to continue helping Salukis like Vincent find the good life they deserve. You can donate online now at http://www.stola.org/support/index.html#donations. Your support is greatly appreciated!