Post by Swamp Gas on Jul 26, 2005 9:00:28 GMT -5
SAN FRANCISCO
Pit bull survives being set on fire in Hunters Point
Female pup seems to be well cared for but wasn't wearing collar
Suzanne Herel, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
A young pit bull is recovering at a San Francisco animal hospital after someone set it ablaze in Bayview-Hunters Point.
Deb Campbell, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Animal Care and Control agency, said animal control officers responded to an emergency call shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday at Harbor and Northridge roads and found the female dog suffering from burns.
The dog had put out the flames -- in the process igniting a small grass fire -- by running away from her tormenter.
Dr. Brittney Calcott at Pets Unlimited said the tan-and-white dog -- which she has nicknamed Ember -- looks to be a purebred pit bull and has a healthy body and coat and sweet disposition, indicating that she may be someone's pet.
However, Campbell said, the dog was not wearing a collar and does not have an identifying microchip. Animal control officers said no one at the scene claimed ownership.
"She's doing well under the circumstances," Calcott said. She said Ember, whom she estimated to be about 10 months old, might be ready to be put up for adoption in about a month.
The pup is on pain medication, Calcott said, because she is missing numerous patches of skin on her hind end, belly, back, ears and lips.
Calcott said there was no residue on the dog to indicate what was used to set her afire.
Campbell said she didn't think the incident indicated a trend of violence against pit bulls, despite well-publicized attacks involving the animals. In one, 12-year-old Nicholas Faibish was mauled to death June 3 by his family's pet dogs.
However, Calcott, who has worked at Pets Unlimited for more than three years, said many of the neglected or abused dogs she has dealt with have been pit bulls.
There are no suspects in the incident. Animal Care and Control officials asked that anyone with information call (415) 554-9400.