Gallery
-
Click to enlarge
Rosalba de Gil Flores as she's led away in handcuffs by a Madera police officer.
(Madera Police Department)
Madera police arrested a woman they say is responsible for mistreating a dog that was found abused and starving but who eventually died after repeated efforts to save her.
Rosalba de Gil Flores was arrested at her home on Wednesday and is being held on a $10,000 dollar bail. The investigation into the case concluded that the dog, nicknamed Clover, had succumbed to his injuries which he sustained while in De Gil Flores' care.
Clover, the young poodle mix dog, was found tied to a post with an embedded rope as a collar, and died one week ago Tuesday from complications of Tetanus.
The dog was thought to be recovering well in a foster home when he took suddenly took a turn for the worse.
The suffering, matted and filthy dog was reported December 19th by a good Samaritan in the 300 block of Harding Street, according to authorities and was seized and taken into protective custody by the City of Madera Animal Control.
Animal control officers said Clover had been neglected, starved and tied to the post for a long time with a rope deeply cutting into his neck for months, if not longer. The rope had likely been placed on the dogs neck when he was a puppy, and never loosened or checked, they said.
The dog was reportedly the second animal seized from the home for neglect or cruelty in the last two years, according to police reports.
Kirsten Gross, director of Madera County Animal Services said the dog had been recovering in a foster home but became critically ill on Christmas eve, and was taken to a pet emergency facility in Fresno.
Tetanus, also known as lock jaw, is not all that common but is a serious, systemic bacterial infection that results from deep wounds that are contaminated.
"He was hungry but couldn't eat. A feeding tube was inserted and he began to improve. He fought really hard and a day or two later he was standing ... but even with the treatments his condition deteriorated. He just didn't have anything left ... to fight any more. Tuesday night he took a turn for the worse - with neurological symptoms - more rigidity and infection. The vet agreed the kindest thing to do at that point, was to end his suffering," Gross said.
Gross said the Tetanus and death was the direct result of the wounds caused by the embedded collar.
"At least he spent a few days in comfort - in a loving foster home. He was improving, and he was safe and warm inside. He had treats and toys, kindness and love. He had his first bath and a clipping. It's just very sad," Gross said.
"Please report any cases of suspected animal cruelty to authorities immediately, as soon as you see them. Don't wait," Gross said.
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook