JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Urgent Rescue is asking for help in fighting animal abuse.
The most recent case they're dealing with is a 6-month-old pit bull, Zoe G., that was shot in the face and left to die. FUR said she is its fifth dog found in the last two years with a gunshot wound.
Members of FUR said they are frustrated with animal abuse, and laws against it need to be more strict.
"This is going to continue until the local authorities really start cracking down and prosecuting animal cruelty," FUR founder Mike Merrill said.
Zoe was spotted by a good Samaritan after she was shot in the face.
"Before she could get Zoe in to her house, she ran off and panicked and called one of our volunteers," Jeanne Forney said.
FUR took Zoe to a vet for treatment.
"They sedated Zoe and did her X-rays," Forney said. "It turns out that she was actually shot. She had the entrance wound ... It shattered a top molar, creased across her tongue and broke through her jaw."
Merrill told News4Jax that Zoe is scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday.
Zoe is the fifth dog within the last couple years taken in by FUR with a gunshot wound. The rescue group said Florida law isn't strict enough to combat the growing problem.
READ: Florida's animal cruelty laws
Right now, aggravated animal cruelty is punishable with a fine of up to $10,000 and one year in jail. FUR's founder said he thinks the punishment is too light, especially when people are hurting innocent animals.
"It's very disappointing to see the way people treat animals on a daily basis," Merrill said. "I hope whoever did this pays for their crimes, and I'm going to leave it at that."
FUR is raising money for Zoe's medical expenses. Click here if you'd like to help.