A 5-year-old female pit bull, Rosie, was found doused in the face with hydrochloric acid, a compound that is normally used to dissolve rust from steel and is strong enough to eat through concrete, according to BuzzFeed News.
San Antonio Animal Care Services reportedly announced on Thursday that they have been flooded with donations that have already covered the cost of Rosie’s surgery, which is scheduled for next week.
“Despite her outward appearance, she’s just totally a sweet dog, not an aggressive bone in her body,” stated Audra Houghton, ACS senior field supervisor, according to the news outlet KSAT.
Rosie was reportedly abused toward the end of July at a Southeast Side home, and left to suffer for at least two weeks without any treatment. An investigation has begun. Houghton reportedly stated that they want to build a strong enough case to take to the district attorney for prosecution.
Charges reportedly vary from animal cruelty to torture and serious bodily injury, with penalties including fines from one year behind bars to two or three years in a state jail.
Rosie’s burns are reportedly more severe than anything the ACS has seen before.
“I’ve never seen chemical burns like this,” stated Houghton.
“I’ve never seen an animal that’s been burned or lost part of their body as a result of their injuries. It’s pretty extreme, and it’s been a little overwhelming for some of our staff.”
Rosie has reportedly been incredibly cooperative during her treatment.
“A lot of animals in pain can get upset when you’re trying to give them treatment, but she’s just a super-sweet dog and I think she knows she’s now being helped.”
Many have been outraged by the state that Rosie was left in.
“Whoever did that, you deserve to rot and be taken to jail and go to prison. That dog is so gentle. It didn’t do anything to deserve that,” stated Candace Ausman, who fosters cats for ACS.
Rosie la pitbull bañada en ácido, en espera de un milagro http://t.co/vnnGBAZXO4 pic.twitter.com/pSWMeKW85J
— Periódico El Debate (@ELDEBATE) August 20, 2015
