A pit bull was found near Murrieta with a severe leg fracture that appeared to be weeks old, prompting the Riverside County Department of Animal Services to conclude the injury was more than likely the result of mistreatment and seek the public’s assistance Friday in finding the person responsible.
According to agency spokesman John Welsh, the 3-year-old male canine was spotted by a resident of La Cresta, an unincorporated area west of Murrieta, hovering in bushes near Hombre Lane and Vista de Montanas. Because the dog appeared hurt, the good Samaritan became concerned for his welfare and called animal control.
Officer David Harris went to the location and attempted to entice the pit out of the bushes, but the canine was standoffish, so Harris set up a humane trap and snared the dog on Thursday.
“As it turns out, the dog is very sweet,” Harris said. “His temperament is fairly amazing, considering the serious injury to his front right leg.”
The canine was taken to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, where he underwent a detailed examination by a veterinarian who confirmed the dog’s leg was severely fractured.
“The injury appears very chronic and is likely several weeks old, and could have happened months earlier,” Dr. Sara Strongin said, adding that due to the “prolonged neglect” of the injury, the limb developed a bone infection and will have to be amputated.
Officials concluded that the injury was more than likely the product of mistreatment.
Anyone who may have information about the dog’s owner was asked to contact the Department of Animal Services at (951) 358-7387. Tips can also be emailed to shelterinfo@rivco.org .
According to Welsh, once the pit’s injury fully heals, he will be available for adoption.
Video clips of the canine are available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNx0EyEWBHI&feature=youtu.be .