Rick Scott | STOP ANIMAL ABUSE

“WTF…if anybody knows the callous, cruel hearted bastard that did this; please contact the number below…do everybody a favour & get the psycho off the streets & in jail; for a very long time…with both his kneecaps blown off!!”

CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. (WTXL)—Wakulla County deputies are trying to figure out who left a puppy on the side of the road after being shot in both of his legs.

Zeke weighed only 18 pounds when he was found abandoned and left to die. He should weigh twice that much. Meanwhile Zeke will have to get stronger before he is strong enough to undergo surgery to repair one of his legs and possibly amputate the other. Credit: Friends of Wakulla County Animal Control/Facebook

Florida lawmakers just passed a bill this past legislative session aiming to crack down on this.

Wakulla County animal officers say its not uncommon for pets to be dropped off on the side of the road, but they say they’ve never found one that’s been shot.

Its the sound of pain and agony from a nearly four-month old golden shepherd that has Wakulla County Animal workers on a mission to find out who abandoned him.

“It was a very heinous, heinous act, shooting a malnourished dog,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Dr. Reed Guhrt has been treating the puppy they named Zeke since animal shelter found him shot in both of his legs last Thursday.

Zeke weighed only 18 pounds when he was found abandoned and left to die.

“There’s a possibility that this leg will have to be amputated because pieces of his bones are just missing, there are no bones left,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Zeke was also covered with ticks and fleas when they found him. Dr. Guhrt says he was shot with a high caliber gun and now he can barely walk.

“The dog obtained some serious injuries and somebody caused it to an animal and didn’t have any respect to an animal life,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Its tragic incidents like this that prompted Florida lawmakers to unanimously pass tougher animal cruelty laws, that may carry fines of up to $10,000 and or misdemeanor and felony charges. Governor Rick Scott hasn’t signed the bill, but it would take effect on July 1st if he signs it or allows it to become law without his signature

Mark Carter, a Wakulla County animal control officer says they support the law hoping it will take effect this summer.

“Hopefully when you toughen up on animal cruelty or animal abuse or animal neglect maybe that puts something in their minds that says, hey I think to think twice before I do this,” said Carter.

Who harmed zeke is still a mystery but Dr. Guhrt says the good news he’s on his way to recovery.

“Everyday he’s coming to the office he appears to be doing better and better,” said Dr. Guhrt.

Wakulla County animal control officers say if know of any animals being abused or know anything about this particular case you’re urged to contact them or the sheriff’s office.

Also, the Crawfordville Animal hospital is accepting donations for Zeke. Call 850-926-2089.

News Link:–http://www.wtxl.com/news/puppy-left-for-dead-bill-aims-to-crack-down-on/article_7101fbfa-cd62-11e2-b7e7-001a4bcf6878.html

Photo credits:-http://www.examiner.com/article/shepherd-puppy-found-shot-back-legs-slowly-recovering-at-rescue-florida

Facebook

We’ve reached our initial online goal of $1,500! We’re so thankful to have gotten this much – no one expected it to be honest. Most of us saw it as a shot in the dark. This will pay for the medical bills we’ve accrued thus far with Zeke. Thank you for the bottom of our hearts.

We will still be accepting any and all donations given his surgeries will be quite extensive and costly. You can continue to donate at http://igg.me/at/savezeke/x/2804692 , through PayPal at Cauzican.org, through mail by check or money order mailed to Cauzican Care, Inc. 245 Kenneth Circle, Crawfordville, FL 32327, or can be phoned in directly to Crawfordville Animal Hospital at 850-926-2089.

Zeke Facebook Page:–https://www.facebook.com/CauzicanCare

Zeke is at Wakulla County Animal Control after suffering gunshot wounds. He can’t walk and needs surgery to save his leg. Help cover his medical expenses.

Help Save Zeke:-http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-save-zeke–2?c=activity

ALDF: Florida Governor Poised to Lift Ban on Dyeing Animals

March 27, 2012

“Come on guys, this isn’t on, painting small fluffy animals so they look pretty to sell is disgraceful. Not only is dyeing dangerous for the animal, what’s going to happen to it when it grows & the colour washes off?? It won’t be wanted that’s what will happen. So click the link below & sign the petition. Thank you”

The Florida legislature passed Amendment 303390 as part of an agriculture bill that, if signed by Governor Rick Scott, will repeal a 45 year old ban on artificially dyeing animals.

Using dye to color chicks, bunnies, and other animals used to be a common practice to encourage impulse purchases prior to Easter. The animals suffer from the chemicals and may die or be discarded by buyers once their novelty wears off.

Take Action!

Please take a moment today to send a polite message to Governor Scott by filling out the form at the governor’s website. Urge him to veto HB 1197.

Sample message:

Subject: Veto HB 1197

Dear Governor Scott,

I strongly urge you to veto HB 1197 because of Amendment 303390, which would repeal an important law that Floridians have relied on for 45 years to protect animals. If HB 1197 becomes law, people would be allowed to artificially dye or color baby chicks, ducklings, rabbits and other animals, a cruel and ridiculous practice formerly done for the purpose of encouraging impulse buying before Easter. Animals can be harmed by the chemicals, and many are dumped on shelters or abandoned when their novelty wears off. Please veto HB 1197 to prevent profiteers from harming countless animals.

Sign petition here via Animal Legal Defense Fund : Florida Governor Poised to Lift Ban on Dyeing Animals.