HOPPY'S PAIN

Publication Date: 22.02.2007

Doc: It’s a cruel joke

Sub Head: Dog found with its forearm tied with bicycle brake cable

Byline: BAVANI M

BARELY two months after Joy the little black dog was rescued from the jaws of death, another case of animal cruelty has surfaced.

This time involving a one-year-old mongrel named Hoppy, which was rescued by a kind soul in Puncak Jalil recently.

Florence Chan found the mongrel with his forearm dangling like a broken twig.

Hoppy was found cringing in pain with a bicycle brake cable tied so tightly around his forearm that it cut through the bone.

“My neighbours’ children alerted me about the dog and when I went to see for myself I was shocked at the condition he was in,'' said Chan.

“I rushed him to a vet in Subang Jaya and he is now recuperating from the ordeal,'' she said.

Dr Vijay who is treating Hoppy said the way the cable was tied around the dog's forearm shows malicious intent.

“It was tied so tight that it practically cut through the bone and caused a 3cm wound that was infected and maggot-filled. This was probably someone's idea of a cruel joke.

“The whole forearm was swollen and the tissues around it dead. We were not sure if the legs could be saved but so far he seems to be responding well to treatment, hence amputation may not be necessary,'' he said.

“The sad part is that he is terrified of humans. He cringes and whimpers when anyone comes near him and retreats to the furthest corner of the cage,'' said Chan.

“I am not sure what to do with him once he fully recovers as I have already adopted three dogs,'' she said, adding that she hoped someone could come forward to adopt Hoppy.

“Hoppy needs sponsors to help pay for the medical expenses and a donor to sponsor him for his lifetime at the Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary.
“But more importantly he needs to be loved and taught to trust humans again,'' said Chan.