MSPCA police investigate video showing surrendered dog being abused in Boston
The video shows Pluto — a 1-year-old pit bull-Catahoula Leopard Dog mix — being hit with a leash while out for a walk in the city's Dorchester neighborhood on June 15, the MSPCA said in a Tuesday press release.
After the video was shared on social media, the animal protection non-profit received an influx of calls about the incident, MSPCA Law Enforcement Director Chris Schindler said in the release. The MSPCA was quickly able to locate Pluto, and he was surrendered to the non-profit on June 20.
'The community was right to be outraged by what was in the video,' Schindler said.
MSPCA police are investigating the incident with the help of Boston Animal Control, the MSPCA said. Investigators intend to pursue charges against the suspect, according to Schindler.
Pluto is expected to be ready for adoption later this week after he's neutered, the MSPCA said. Shelter workers describe him as 'remarkably friendly.'
'We think that Pluto may be able to go to a home with a well-matched dog, but — given his unsettled past — it's really important that his adopters are able to give him a very structured and supportive environment where he's able to flourish,' MSPCA Boston Adoption Center Director Deborah Bobek said in the release.
'We know Pluto will be a great addition to the right home with adopters who are committed to his training using positive reinforcement and also able to give him an outlet for all his young dog energy.'
Pluto's adoption fee will be waived through June 29 as part of an ongoing adopt-a-thon event, along with all the MSPCA's available dogs that are a year and older. Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield, Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Animal Control, the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts in Brockton and the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield have also waived adoption fees for dogs a year and older as part of the event.
Those who would like to help offset the cost of caring for Pluto are asked to donate money at mspca.org/pluto. You can submit tips about alleged animal abuse to MSPCA police at mspca.org/tip or by calling (617) 522-6008.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
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