Pregnant dog fighting for life after wire ‘intentionally placed’ around throat in New Kent

Editor's Note: This article includes discussion and a photo of animal cruelty. Viewer discretion is advised.

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A pregnant dog is fighting for her life after New Kent County animal officials say a metal wire was "intentionally placed" around her throat, causing her head to swell.

The New Kent County Sheriff's Office's Animal Protection Unit is asking for the public's help in finding justice for a severely injured female dog that was picked up along Eltham Road near its intersection with New Kent Highway on Monday, Jan. 19.

According to animal officials, the pregnant dog pictured below was found with a metal wire wrapped around her neck "so tightly that it caused immense swelling to her head [and] disabled her ability to breathe properly."

A severely injured pregnant dog found in New Kent County. (Photo: New Kent Sheriff's Office Animal Protection Unit)

The wire, which the responding veterinarian believes was "intentionally placed" around the dog's throat, caused "a disgusting amount of damage." These injuries have put both her and her unborn puppy's lives in jeopardy, animal officials said on Facebook.

"The dog remains hospitalized and a cesarean section is currently being performed in an attempt to save her puppy," the sheriff's office said in a press release sent out around 7:45 p.m. on Monday. "At this time, the outcome is unknown."

This disturbing incident is being investigated as an animal cruelty case.

"The last sick, emaciated and abandoned hounds we posted were not given justice," animal officials said. "We are still searching for leads on the person responsible for their conditions. Please turn the person in who is responsible for this dog’s condition."

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While the dog was first spotted over the weekend, she was finally captured on Monday. If you know anything about what happened to her, you are asked to contact the New Kent County Sheriff's Office's Animal Protection Unit at 804-966-9500. You can also submit an anonymous tip to the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers by calling 804-780-1000.

"Even the smallest detail could be critical to this investigation," the sheriff's office said.

The dog's emergency medical care will cost animal officials about $10,000. If you'd like to donate, you can do so here.