Suspect Sought After Dog Shot In Head In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A dog was shot in Philadelphia last month, and the Pennsylvania SPCA is asking for help finding those responsible for the shooting.

The dog was shot Nov. 20 in the city’s Eastwick neighborhood.

According to the PSPCA, a Good Samaritan found the dog in the area of Crane Street near the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The dog was brought to PASE Animal Hospital, where it was confirmed to have a gunshot wound to the head above the left eye.

The PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement team has since taken over both the investigation and the care of the dog.

Maverick, as the dog has been named, is being cared for at the PSPCA’s Main Line Animal Rescue Site.

At this time, the PSPCA’s Law Enforcement team is asking for the public’s help in learning more about how the dog ended up in this condition, and who may be responsible. Due to the size of the wound, and the damage left behind, it is suspected to have been done at close range.

Maverick, who was in critical condition upon arrival at PASE, has been left with a head tilt, a delayed gait of his right hind end, and trauma to his left forebrain. His left eye is no longer functioning, and will likely be removed.

Despite his injuries, he is doing well and is stable under the care of the PSPCA’s veterinary team.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of those responsible is asked 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 heartless," Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, said. "It seems clear from Maverick’s injuries that the responsible party intended to kill this sweet dog. But, miraculously, Maverick survived. We at the Pennsylvania SPCA are going to do everything we can to not only find those responsible, but importantly, give Maverick the best life – where he will never again be subjected to such horrific cruelty."