Severely injured pregnant dog caught in cable snare in New Kent doing ‘exceptionally better’

NEW KENT COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The pregnant dog caught in a cable snare trap in New Kent County that led to her head swelling and put her puppy at risk is "doing exceptionally better" now, according to officials.

On Monday, Jan. 19, a severely injured, pregnant female dog was picked up along Eltham Road near its intersection with New Kent Highway. She was first spotted over the weekend, but was finally captured on Monday.

The dog had a metal wire wrapped around her throat “so tightly that it caused immense swelling to her head [and] disabled her ability to breathe properly,” the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Protection Unit said on Facebook. The wire caused “a disgusting amount of damage,” putting both her and her puppy’s lives in jeopardy.

Investigators shared an update on Tuesday, Jan. 20, saying they believe Maude was caught in a coyote snare -- a type of trap that works like a zip-tie and tightens continuously. Authorities initially said it was believed that the wire had been "intentionally placed" on Maude's neck.

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In an update shared the morning of Thursday, Jan. 22, animal officials said that Maude was "doing exceptionally better."

According to animal officials, Maude's neck is healing very well, and her face is no longer swollen -- "she is happy to see people who love her!" officials said on Facebook.

"Thank you to everyone who donated to her care and played a huge part in saving her life! Enjoy these photos of our strong girl!" said the New Kent County Sheriff's Office's Animal Protection Unit in the post. "We can’t believe this is the same dog!"