Dog Shot Several Times In West Philly, Suspects Sought

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia are asking for help after a dog was found shot several times in West Philadelphia.

According to the Pennsylvania SPCA, the dog was found on the 1200 block of South 54th Street in the city's Overbrook neighborhood by a Good Samaritan Monday night.

Initially, rescuers believed she was hit by a vehicle, but found she was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, the SPCA said.

Based on evidence and blood at the scene, the dog, now named Alexia, was initially shot in the street and crawled to a porch of a nearby home where she was found on the front steps of the property by a Good Samaritan.

She also suffered injuries to her both her muzzle and shoulder areas.

Damage from the gunshot wound was so severe, her front leg will have to be amputated, the SPCA said.

The Pennsylvania SPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team is asking anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of those responsible to please contact the organization’s cruelty hotline immediately, 866-601-7722 or cruelty@pspca.org.

Tips can be left anonymously.

"This act of cruelty is especially heartbreaking not only for its nature, but because of this brave animal’s fight to survive," said Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA. "She was left in the street to die, but was able to drag herself up the steps next to the door of a Good Samaritan and in her own way, ask for help. We do not know what would possess an individual to commit such a horrible act, but we will do our very best to find out. We are pleading with anyone who has information to please contact the PSPCA."