Mastiff-Mix Recovering After Torture - And Being Struck By 2 SUVs

WOODBRIDGE, CT - In recent weeks horrific acts of animal cruelty have, unfortunately, reached new heights in Connecticut. Most have heard of the horrible incident in West Haven where a miniature schnauzer was found burned to death on a beach.

There is a new, terrible case of animal cruelty involving a dog that Woodbridge Municipal Animal Control is informing people about on social media - and also asking for the help from the public to help pay for medical bills incurred to try and nurture a mastiff-mix, "Merritt," back to health.

Here is the sad story of what happened to Merritt as told in the words of those who work at Woodbridge Municipal Animal Control on its Facebook page.

At the end of the message is a plea for the public to help with donations to ensure the dog continues to get the best of care.

Here is what they wrote:

"When will it stop? When will humans stop the senseless harm on innocent animals. When?

On July 15, 2019 WAC was dispatched to a chilling scene on the Merritt Parkway where a dog had been hit by a car. Upon arrival at the scene it was discovered that a DOT worker had witnessed this sweet mastiff-mix dog, now named Merritt, being struck by not 1 but 2 different SUV’s.

After being struck in the shoulder area by the initial SUV, Merritt, began a terror fueled run across the Northbound lanes where she was once again struck. The second SUV, going around 60mph, completely dislocating her rear left leg to the point where it was facing the other direction. The saddest part of this story is that this isn’t the worst of it.

Merritt could not wait to get in our crate once we arrived. It was if we could hear her sigh of relief that she was in a space where she thought she was safe. It was there that we realized the true horror that this poor girl had been living. Merritt was chewed to pieces. Her ears so mangled it will be a miracle if they can be repaired. Both of her front legs were chewed and scared from pit to paw, across her chest cavity and up onto her head. Her body weak from lack of food. This poor girl has been tortured, probably used as a bait dog. And like many that come from the same painful paths, has the disposition of an angel.

We rushed Merritt to a local veterinary hospital to receive treatment when it was discovered that there were 4 huge breaks in her rear leg. After discussing the injury and chances of recovery it was suggested to find a board certified surgeon to take on her leg. We decided to take this advice and transferred her to a 24hr Veterinary hospital to see a Board Certified Surgeon, specializing in Orthopedic Surgery.

Once more images were able to be taken it was discovered that the break was much worse than the initial XRAY revealed. We discussed the complications of trying to fix such complex break’s with the Dr’s and decided to go with the option that offered Merritt with a pain & complication free future. Therefore, on Wednesday of this week, Miss Merritt went for surgery and her rear, shattered leg, was amputated at the thigh.

"Today (Friday), Merritt came home and is currently being fostered by one of the officers during her recovery. It is now that we must ask you to consider donating to help with the vet bills that have already reached $5,000. Merritt is still going to need therapy to learn her new normal. By making a donation you are also ensuring that we can continue to make selfless decisions for the next animal that comes through our doors.

"All Donations can be made payable to WAC 5o1c3 ONE BIG DOG by paypal
https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1523622

Checks can also be mailed to
ONE BIG DOG
135 Bradley Rd.
Woodbridge CT 06525
"All of your prayers and well wishes for a speedy and cleansing rehabilitation are most welcome."

A link to the animal control website can be found here.