Nassau SPCA seeking home, funds for ‘butchered’ puppy

The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is working on finding a home for a puppy found missing its ears and right hind leg, while bringing the people responsible for mangling the animal to justice.

The group held a press conference at My Pet's Vet in Huntington Thursday to introduce the world to “Miss Harper,” a 7-month-old pit bull that has been spending the past five months recovering at My Pet’s Vet from its injuries.

Nassau SPCA Det. Bob Sowers said he brought “Miss Harper” there in early September after picking her up from an emergency veterinary center in Nassau County. He said he could not release the name or location of the center, citing an ongoing criminal investigation that his organization has been conducting with the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

“Arrests are going to be coming soon,” he added.

Sowers said that when the dog was surrendered to him it appeared someone had cut off its ears and leg.

“This wasn’t surgery,” he said. “The dog was butchered … A tendon was hanging out of the leg that was cut.”

Sowers said the dog had to be treated for infections, but thanks to the “excellent” care she has been receiving, she is doing much better.

“Miss Harper” will still require additional medical treatment including surgery to open up her ears, which are closing over, he said. She might also be a candidate for a prosthetic leg.

To help with her medical costs, the Nassau SPCA is collecting donations via its website. A separate campaign has been set up for “Miss Harper,” which can be accessed at nassaucountyspca.org/MissHarper.cfm

The group is also seeking applications for potential adopters. Sowers said the Nassau SPCA will be carefully vetting applicants, looking for someone who has had experience with pit bulls and who lives on Long Island, so “Miss Harper” can continue to receive treatment from her current veterinarian, Dr. Bridget Brooke.  Those interested can email adopt@ncspca.us.

“I’d like to have her in a home, God-willing, as soon as possible,” Sowers said. “This dog has been through enough.”

Despite the abuse she has sustained, Sowers said the dog is sweet, intelligent and very trainable. And even with only three legs, she still loves to run and play with toys.

“She’s really a happy little camper,” Sowers said. “When you hold her, she just melts in your arms.”