A cruelty investigation is under way after a Yorkshire terrier-mix puppy with her front legs broken and possible broken hip was brought in to Dallas Animal Services on Wednesday.
The person who brought the dog into Animal Services said that she had fallen off a chair.
Paws in the City, a nonprofit rescue group, has taken custody of the 4-month-old puppy for treatment and the puppy's left leg was treated by a veterinarian on Monday.
"She' just affectionate, gentle, I can't imagine what she could do that would prompt someone to cause these injuries," said Jonnie England of the Metroplex Animal Coalition.
The puppy, who has been named Charity, is being treated at the East Dallas Veterinary Clinic.
Anyone with information about who hurt Charity is urged to call Dallas Animal Services Cruelty Investigations Department at 214-671-0245.
"We've got to send a message that animal cruelty won't be tolerated, it's illegal," said England. "We're going to investigate it, and those who abuse animals are going to go to jail."
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You can report animal abuse by calling 311 or 911.
Someone who commits animal abuse may have serious psychological problems. Studies have found that many people convicted of violent crimes had a history of animal cruelty. Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, Andrew Cunanan, David "Son of Sam" Berkowitz, and Albert "Boston Strangler" DeSalvo were cruel to animals before they started hurting people. Adults are not the only ones whose cruelty to animals can be a sign of deeper troubles. Many murderous children and teenagers-such as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold of Columbine High School-also have histories of animal cruelty.
Animals in homes with family violence are also often victims of violence. One study found that animals were abused in 88 percent of the homes in which a child was abused. Another study found that 83 percent of families reported for animal abuse also had children at high risk of abuse or neglect. Although most of the abuse toward the animals came from the parents, about a quarter of abused children abuse animals.
Charity will be available for adoption from Paws in the City after she has fully healed from her injuries.
England reminds everyone that only one person can adopt Charity, but there are thousands of pets up for adoption in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
"Dallas Animal Services has to euthanize about 27,000 dogs and cats each year, just because irresponsible people who abandon, neglect them or don't want them any longer," said England.
More: Paws In The City
