Update On Justice, The Abandoned Dog Saved By Good Samaritans

BRANFORD, CT —It's the cruelty that is unfathomable when there are ways to safely surrender an animal that cannot be kept and cared for. A few months ago it was Lincoln, who through the ceaseless compassion and caring of vets and shelter workers, and the community at large willing to help, too, he not only survived, but is thriving. But it might have turned out to be a tragedy.

The dog found by (very) good Samaritans behind the Branford Walmart was starving, dehydrated, rife with burns and sores. And it's worse. Because he was left in the sun and heat without food or water, "The veterinarian gave him a body condition score of a 2," said Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter director Laura Burban in a Facebook post Saturday, a very low score, she said.

Burban wrote on Facebook that, as if all he's suffered was not bad enough, "his eyes appear burnt," from sun exposure, lack of water and care, or a combination of both, she said.

In the care of veterinarians and the shelter, he's been named Justice. And justice is what is hoped for in this case and all like it, they say.

"If he looks familiar or you know who owned him please call 203-315-4125," Burban asked.

Burban said there's currently a total of $3,500 in reward money for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"We do not know how long his recovery will be or what he will need yet but we are accepting donations to help him," she said.

Click here to donate or mail donations to Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter 749 East Main St in Branford CT 06405

Another case of extreme dog abuse and neglect

In East Haven last week, a similar situation.

An emaciated and dehydrated puppy covered in sores was found by East Haven animal control officer Sean Godejohn wandering the Sylvan Hills Road area after someone called in to report it as a stray. A total of $1,500 in reward money offered for information leading to the name of the owner.

Kaitlin Tenner, 26, of East Haven was charged with animal cruelty. She had claimed that the puppy "ran away." But animal control officials said that was not plausible as the sores on the animal suggested it had long been crated and was not properly cared for.

Read the full story here.

Update June 23:

Justice will likely have long term problems with his eyes and is having problems with his vision. Burban and animal shelter staff shared the following Facebook post to explain the toll neglect, abuse and abandonment takes on a dog. The video may be difficult for some to watch.

Update: June 25:

Burban and the staff at the animal shelter provided the latest on Justice. With vision issues, he'll soon see an ophthalmologist. In the meantime, staff continues to "help him rehabilitate, play with toys, build trust with people and start having him interact with animals to see who he likes and the best type of home for him."

And, he went to "Animal Camp," both to help him, and it turns out, others.

"This past week Justice went to Animal Camp and taught the children about what to do if they see an animal in need," the post read. "Justice really enjoyed the children and was a wonderful guest."