Puppy's Treatment Shocks Animal Activists
Officials: Dog's Teeth Grinded Down To Gums
POSTED: 9:48 am CST February 24,
2008
UPDATED: 5:16 pm CST February 26,
2008
MCMINNIVILLE, Tenn. -- McMinnville police said they are looking for a man who beat his pet dog almost unconscious, but it's what the animal had to endure that shocked and sickened animal activists who have seen it all.
Video: Treatment Of Dog Shocks Animal ActivistsLucas is only a year and a half, and he's and loving and sweet puupy, but he's experienced more pain than many will in a lifetime.His teeth have been filed down to his gum line, officials said."He had 16 uppers and 14 lowers that have been ground all the way down. The root and nerve are exposed and bleeding," Warren County Humane Society President Andy Anderson said.Last week, Anderson said she received a call from a man who said he saw Lucas' owner, Chris Barnett, beating the dog.Police said a warrant was issued for Barnett's arrest."He didn't ask for a beating. He is a calm, sweet dog," Anderson said.Anderson said Lucas' eyes were blood shot, and x-rays showed that he suffered a fracture to his face."This bone that goes around his eye is fractured," Anderson said.The damage to Lucas' teeth was so extensive that it will take multiple surgeries, costing thousands of dollars, Anderson said."We will extract the teeth we can't save and fill what we can to make it where the dog can eat, but he will never be normal for the rest of his life," Anderson said.Anderson said she makes Lucas special meals that he can easily swallow, but she said he will always need special attention."It breaks my heart. It makes you wonder what's wrong with mankind that they can do this -- that people can do this," Anderson said.In the meantime, Anderson said she will care for Lucas. It will ultimately be up to a judge to decide who gets permanent custody of Lucas.Viewers flooded the Channel Four's phone lines after watching Lucas' story to help with his medical expenses. Anyone who would like to help can send donations to:
Sparta Road Veterinary Clinic
4021 Sparta Hwy.
McMinnville, TN 37110Donators are asked to specify that they want their donations to be used for Lucas' medical expenses.
Video: Treatment Of Dog Shocks Animal ActivistsLucas is only a year and a half, and he's and loving and sweet puupy, but he's experienced more pain than many will in a lifetime.His teeth have been filed down to his gum line, officials said."He had 16 uppers and 14 lowers that have been ground all the way down. The root and nerve are exposed and bleeding," Warren County Humane Society President Andy Anderson said.Last week, Anderson said she received a call from a man who said he saw Lucas' owner, Chris Barnett, beating the dog.Police said a warrant was issued for Barnett's arrest."He didn't ask for a beating. He is a calm, sweet dog," Anderson said.Anderson said Lucas' eyes were blood shot, and x-rays showed that he suffered a fracture to his face."This bone that goes around his eye is fractured," Anderson said.The damage to Lucas' teeth was so extensive that it will take multiple surgeries, costing thousands of dollars, Anderson said."We will extract the teeth we can't save and fill what we can to make it where the dog can eat, but he will never be normal for the rest of his life," Anderson said.Anderson said she makes Lucas special meals that he can easily swallow, but she said he will always need special attention."It breaks my heart. It makes you wonder what's wrong with mankind that they can do this -- that people can do this," Anderson said.In the meantime, Anderson said she will care for Lucas. It will ultimately be up to a judge to decide who gets permanent custody of Lucas.Viewers flooded the Channel Four's phone lines after watching Lucas' story to help with his medical expenses. Anyone who would like to help can send donations to:Sparta Road Veterinary Clinic
4021 Sparta Hwy.
McMinnville, TN 37110Donators are asked to specify that they want their donations to be used for Lucas' medical expenses.
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