ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Two dogs were pushed out of a vehicle and severely injured earlier this month, according to Orange County Animal Services.
In a release, OCAS officials announced that they were contacted by law enforcement on the evening of July 14 after the incident happened.
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“The dogs were observed to have been pushed out a vehicle,” the release reads. “While the vehicle was attempting to drive away, the two dogs remained close, which led the car to strike one of the dogs.”
The struck animal then became lodged beneath the car and was dragged “for a short distance” before finally being able to get away, OCAS officials added.
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According to the OCAS, a responding officer wrote the following about the incident:
“We approached the red dog that was hit by the car. The red/white dog was laying on the ground wearing a black collar. He had two open laceration(s) on the left side of (his) body. His face had several cuts around his right eye, nose and muzzle. Both front paws had open wounds. The dog would scream when being moved, but he was able to hobble on (his) stomach seeking attention.”
The two dogs — who have since been named “Calvin” and “Hobbs” — were taken to an emergency veterinary clinic for treatment. At the time, Calvin was limping and had suffered several contusions and wounds, some of which required staples.
“Now, this is the part of the story where we see the best that people can offer,” the release continues. “We emailed our rescue partners about the situation, and Furever Bully Love Rescue stepped up to help both boys. They are now in qualified, loving hands and receiving every bit of necessary care.”
However, the OCAS also said that Calvin is still recovering, and the costs of treatment after being struck by a car are expected to be “substantial.”
In addition, the rescue group is seeking support, as well as foster homes and adopters for all of their animals.
“We’re sharing this message as a thank you to the rescue group and to spread awareness for the fact that this is wholly unacceptable,” OCAS wrote. “Dumping an animal in this fashion is cruel, and we need our pet owners and caretakers to step up so that we never see a situation like this again.”
News 6 reached out to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for more information and received the following response:
“On July 14, 2024, around 6:30 p.m., deputies responded to the intersection of South Rio Grande Ave and 18th Street, in regards to two abandoned dogs. One of the dogs was severely injured after being struck and dragged by a vehicle. This incident is still an active and ongoing animal cruelty investigation and we have no additional details to release at this time.”
Orange County Sheriff's Office
No additional information has been provided at this time, including whether there are any potential suspects.
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