Unwanted Cocker Spaniel’s injuries suggest he ‘might have been thrown from car’

A cocker spaniel found with damage to its spine and broken bones may have been thrown from a car, a Kent local council fears.

The seemingly unwanted dog named Beethoven was found limping as a stray near Rainham last Saturday May 21.

The dog was unable to put weight on three of its legs and a member of Swale Borough Council’s canine team took the animal to a vet.

There Beethoven was given painkillers and antibiotics for a paw infection.

But X-rays then showed that among his various injuries were two fractures in his leg and spinal damage – the injuries sustained some time ago.

Experts also believe it is possible that he was hit by a car.

Vets found a microchip, but it wasn’t registered, so its owner couldn’t be traced.

Beethoven, who was found in the village of Hartlip, was monitored over the weekend after his discovery before being taken to Newnham Court Veterinary Hospital on Monday.

A spokesman for Swale Borough Council’s Stray Dog Service said: “After minimal improvement over the weekend, the kennels made the decision to bring him back for further testing and the x-rays left us speechless.

“The vets said the injuries were comparable to being hit by or thrown from a moving vehicle.

“He has spinal injuries, two broken tibias and many other injuries that have had to heal without treatment.

“The most shocking part? He hasn’t suffered those injuries lately, he’s just been made to suffer.

Now the authorities are looking for the possible perpetrators and are nursing the dog back to health.

The spokesman continued: “Both ourselves and the kennels will do everything in our power to make him comfortable until we have a clear path forward for his future.

“It is clear that Beethoven has had these injuries for a long time and that he suffers from ongoing animal cruelty.

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“He has a chip, but he’s not registered, so if anyone has information that can lead us to his owners, please contact us.”

A fundraiser to pay his vet bills has already raised around £2,000, according to a Facebook page set up to update people on his progress.

Anyone with information can contact the Council’s Street Dog Team on 01795 417 850 during office hours.

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