The pitbull who survived a dog fight. Photo courtesy WHS.

As if the news from the government shutdown wasn’t stomach churning enough, the Washington Humane Society reports four horrific acts of cruelty took place against animals this week.

On Wednesday morning, a pitbull-type dog was found in the alley on the 4300 Block of Gorman Terrace SE with severe bite wounds consistent with dog fighting.

Evidence suggests that the dog was dumped at this location vs. having sustained the injuries there. The dog was immediately transported to an emergency veterinary hospital for treatment but ultimately had to be euthanized due to the extent of her wounds.

Thursday morning a deceased cat was found on the 600 block of 46th Place SE with a crushed head, and later another cat was found with trauma to its face and jaw. The “cat had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries.”

Another pitbull who had dog fighting wounds was found in the woods near 602 46th Place SE that same morning after officers received a call about the animal after midnight.

The dog had numerous bite wounds over his entire body as well as 3 lacerations across his neck consistent with an attempt to slit his throat.

Happily, Scott Giacoppo, WHS vice president of external affairs, said the dog survived. “That dog did make it through and is being treated,” he said. “He’s not out of the woods yet, but we are giving it our all.”

Giacoppo said this amount of violence toward animals in a one-week span isn’t unusual, “but we have noticed an increase overall this year.” It’s not a large one, Giacoppo said, with 100 more cases reported this year so far.

As always, anyone with information is asked to contact WHS officer Dan D’Eramo at dderamo@washhumane.org or (202) 723-5730. A $5,000 reward is being offered in each case.