Dog Gives Birth to 5 Puppies After Getting Shot in the Face and Nurses ‘Those Babies When She Could Barely Breathe’

In a shocking case of animal cruelty, an Ohio dog named Mercy was found abandoned on the roadside, having sustained severe gunshot wounds to her face. The Brown County Humane Society, which took in Mercy and her five newborn puppies, has detailed the harrowing ordeal they have undergone since their discovery on 28 August.

Initially, Mercy was thought to be a victim of a car accident. She and her litter were found in a crate on Malblanc Road, Winchester, where they were left in distressing conditions. Flies swarmed around them, and the puppies, just five hours old, were in dire need of care – cold, wet, and still covered in afterbirth. With physical conditions deteriorating, the humane society noted that while Mercy had managed to nurse her puppies, her own health was gravely compromised.

Mercy was in a frail state, having been emaciated and struggling to breathe. Wound abscesses could be observed on her swollen face and mouth, leading to a sense of urgency in getting her medical attention. After being discovered, all six dogs were transported to Rolling Hills Veterinary Service in Bethel, where further examinations uncovered the truth behind Mercy’s injuries. Rather than a car accident, it became clear that she had been shot in the face, possibly days before her puppies were born, leaving multiple bullet fragments lodged in her head and neck.

The Brown County Humane Society shared on social media that medical veterinarians believed Mercy could have been living in such a critical condition for an entire week before being found. In what was described as an incredibly distressing situation, it was revealed that even while suffering immensely, Mercy continued to care for her puppies. “This dog possibly lived for a week with bullets in her face, emaciated and struggling to breathe,” stated the humane society, highlighting her strength and maternal dedication against overwhelming odds.

In a bid to save her life, Mercy underwent surgery on 31 August to remove some of the bullet fragments. X-rays had revealed multiple injuries including a fractured jaw and damage to the bone beneath her eye, signifying the extent of the trauma she had endured. While some fragments were successfully removed, others remain lodged in her skull, which complicates her recovery. Following the operation, the humane society provided updates on Mercy’s progress, noting that while she was still not out of the woods, she was breathing more easily and had regained some appetite.

Complications arose post-surgery as Mercy was treated with medication that prevented her from caring for her newborns. Consequently, the humane society had to resort to bottle-feeding the puppies, ensuring they received the necessary nutrition while their mother healed. Updates indicated that although the full impact of Mercy’s injuries remains uncertain, she had made significant strides in her recovery by the end of the weekend, including being able to see her puppies before the operation.

As Mercy continues to recuperate, the Brown County Humane Society has initiated a call for assistance. They are seeking donations to support her medical care and are searching for information regarding the circumstances leading to her injuries. “Tips can be called into the Brown County Dog Shelter at 937-378-3457 or sent privately through our Facebook page,” the humane society urged, hopeful that someone may provide the information needed to bring justice to Mercy.

This heartbreaking incident sheds light on the severe challenges animals face due to cruelty and neglect. Mercy’s resilience represents hope and the urgent need for community vigilance against animal abuse. The humane society’s requests for assistance highlight the importance of collective responsibility in addressing and preventing such tragic events.

As the investigation unfolds, and Mercy continues to recover alongside her puppies, the community remains united in their commitment to ensuring her case does not go unnoticed. Reports are awaited from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, as the search for answers and justice for Mercy and her family continues.