Thrown out of moving car

A DOG had to have its tail amputated after being thrown from a car at Bohle.

Staff at a nearby business witnessed the staffy cross ridgeback get thrown and came to her rescue on Tuesday.

Townsville Foster and Rehoming Animals managing director Angela Atkinson said one of the workers phoned the organisation and drove the dog to Kings Road Veterinary Surgery.

“The dog had a badly broken tail. She had to have 20cm of her tail cut off. She was in excruciating pain,” she said.

“She had to have stitches in places where skin was missing, she had to be sewn up. She’s on extensive pain relief.”

The dog has been named Belle and appears to be four to five years old.

Ms Atkinson said Belle’s life appeared to have been unhappy for at least the past five months.

“The dog had scars and damage to other parts of its body. This abuse has been going on for a while,” she said.

After surgery on Wednesday, Belle was placed with foster carer Tania Smith ( pictured) in Annandale.

Ms Atkinson said Belle was coping in the home with a cat and two children, but she had a timid nature as a result of her abuse.

She will stay in foster care until she gets the all clear from doctors. “Sometimes these things take two weeks to a month. She’ll be on pain relief for two weeks until she gets the stitches out,” Ms Atkinson. Ms Atkinson said the act of abuse was unfortunately not a rarity. “( Last week) an owner got high on ice and thought it would be fun to run over a dog’s leg with a car,” she said. “I used to get so consumed with anger but we have to focus on getting the animals healthy and into a happy home.” Ms Atkinson said TFRA had three abused dogs in care. In the past week it has racked up $ 2500 in vet bills. “Kings Vet has gone above and beyond to help,” she said. TFRA relies on donations. To donate, call 0409 184 685.