MSPCA: Puppy found with broken leg, bite wounds, chemical burns

BOSTON — The MSPCA and Acton Police are offering a reward for information that leads to an animal cruelty conviction after a puppy was found with injuries so severe, she may never recover.

According to the MSPCA, a 12-week-old puppy was found cowering alongside the the Morrison Farm Trail behind the Woodlawn Cemetery in Acton by a person walking their dog in the woods on November 15.

They say the puppy, who they've named Ramona, was wagging her tail but was unable to walk and her body was covered in open wounds.

The person called police and animal control then drove the Ramona to the MSPCA's Angell Medical Center in Boston. The veterinarian team immediately put the dog on pain medicine and IV fluids to stabilize her before she was transferred to the MSPCA's adoption center clinic for additional care.

Officials say Ramona suffered what appears to be severe chemical burns over 40% of her body, but don't know which chemicals were used. They say the wounds are so serious they require weekly debridement to remove dead tissue "to improve the odds that remaining skin can heal."

"Not only is she dealing with these horrendous skin wounds, but she also has a broken left front elbow, which started to heal improperly, so we may need to amputate that leg," said Dr. Rebecca Fellman, the MSPCA’s shelter veterinarian.

In addition to the skin wounds and broken leg, officials say Ramona also has bite wounds to her neck.

"Having to watch her go through this has been pretty painful for all of our staff and we're just hoping she'll continue on a road to recovery," said Anna Rafferty-Arnold, MSPCA Boston Adoption Center Associated Director.

Officials say Ramona is expected to stay at the MSPCA for the next four months for her continued care.

The Acton Police Dept. and the MSPCA-Angell have announced a combined $1,000 reward for information leading to an animal cruelty conviction.  Anyone with information is urged to call either the Acton Police Department at 978-929-7711 or the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement Department at 800-628-5808.

The MSPCA is raising funds to offset the cost of the surgeries and after-care for Ramona, which is expected to exceed $4,000. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so here.

Police say they currently have no leads but Acton detectives are actively working the case with the MSPCA Law Enforcement Division. No similar cases have been found in the town.

Last month, President Trump signed a bill making animal cruelty a federal felony punishable with fines and up to seven years in prison.

>> Animal cruelty bill now federal law

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