Humane society offering reward after dog found with mouth taped shut
The Oktibbeha County Humane Society is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest after a dog was found in Webster County with its mouth taped shut.
The OCHS is currently offering $200 as a reward as a young lab/hound mix was found near the Bellefontaine community after “Shaw” was spotted on Friday, March 6.
OCHS Board Member Ardra Morgan told the Starkville Daily News Shaw was humanely trapped along with another dog, who is likely his litter mate.
“Both dogs are doing well,” she said. “Shaw had surgery [Tuesday], they went in and cleaned everything and he had to have a few stitches, but his tongue is pinking up, so they're thinking his tongue is going to be fine.”
Morgan said Shaw was fed through a tube and given liquids via syringe to make sure he was getting nutrition and staying hydrated.
After his month was taped shut for an undetermined amount of time, Shaw's tongue was naturally the main point of concern, so he will be monitored as he gains back functions.
Before the dogs were rescued, the shelter was contacted by Small Mercies Animal Rescue in Webster County after someone saw the dog with its mouth taped shut in the area of Highway 404 and Shaw Road.
“There were boots on the ground immediately,” Morgan said. “We have a lot of the resources the smaller rescues don't. We rejoice in it that we have organizations that are willing to jump in when something like this happens.”
Rescuers, volunteers and others aided OCHS, Small Mercies Animal Rescue and Little Mountain Rescue over the weekend to humanely trap the dog. Another dog, now named Pilgrim, was also rescued and both were taken in for medical care.
“They weren't real heavy, they were hungry, both of them, and were a little bit skittish,” Morgan said. “They were both covered in ticks and fleas, had intestinal parasites. They had been on their own and been neglected.”
The shelter says Shaw has undergone surgery and requires around-the-clock attention and care, which led OCHS to take him in.
Once both dogs recover, though, the shelter believes they will make wonderful pets.
OCHS also said all donations will go toward Shaw's care, with anything raised beyond his
needs going to benefit other animals in similar circumstances.
As of press time on Tuesday, an online fundraising campaign had received $1,460 in donations.
Anyone with any information in this case is asked to contact the Webster County Sheriff's Department at (662) 258-7701.
“What we're trying to do with our reward, it's just to ask people in that area, have you seen anything, recognize the dogs, but with our post we want the public and community to know that this happens,. There are people out there who are cruel and we need to function as a community to hold them accountable.”
In most cases, animal abuse is a misdemeanor offense punishable by fines and in some cases, jail time.