JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Animal Care and Protective Services and Nassau County Animal Services are investigating a suspected animal cruelty case after a dog with third-degree burns was found abandoned in Duval County, the agencies said Friday.
Nassau County Animal Services received a call July 5 from an emergency veterinary hospital about a dog that needed pickup and protective custody. The caller initially said the dog had been found in Nassau County and later said it was found in Duval County, so the two agencies are sharing resources to determine what happened.
Recommended Videos
An ACPS forensic veterinary exam found the injuries “are consistent with thermal burn wounds caused by exposure to fire,” the agency said.
The exam concluded the available findings do not allow a determination of whether the burns were intentional or accidental, but noted the dog did not receive timely veterinary treatment after the injury. ACPS said thermal burns cause significant pain and, without proper care, can lead to severe complications or death.
The agency added that failure to seek veterinary care is consistent with neglect and that intentional burns would be consistent with animal abuse.
Staff has named the dog Talia. She is currently receiving care from a veterinarian.
Officials asked anyone with information about the dog’s identity, owner or the events leading to the injuries to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted to First Coast Crime Stoppers by phone at 866-845-TIPS, via the mobile app or on the organization’s website.