Missouri volunteers help injured dog recover

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Southwestern Missouri volunteers are helping a dog named Dover recover after he and another animal were apparently thrown from an overpass in Springfield.

The Springfield News-Leader reported that one dog died on impact from a 60-foot fall from the James River Freeway on Sept. 12. The body was found draped over a rock.

A second dog, a Newfoundland/retriever mix since named Dover, suffered a broken leg, facial injuries and bit off a piece of his tongue.

CARE Animal Rescue is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the abuser.

The group is caring for Dover until he's ready to be adopted.

Animal control officers called CARE, a no-kill shelter that rescues about 1,000 animals a year, said founder and director Melissa Sartin.

Sartin visits animal control twice a week and tags animals she thinks she can get adopted.

"For me, it's sad for those animals who have been neglected and abused to be put to sleep without knowing the kindness of humans," Sartin said.

It's the first time CARE has ever offered a reward in an animal-abuse case.

Sartin said the organization decided to offer the reward because they believe the person could be a threat to society.

"Usually where there is animal abuse, there is going to be child or spousal or adult abuse," said Jeff McRoy, statewide investigator with the Humane Society of Missouri.

McRoy was just assigned the state's 967th animal-abuse case this year.

"It's not even the end of the year," McRoy said.

Animal abuse in Missouri is a misdemeanor unless the defendant has previously pleaded guilty to or been convicted of animal abuse, or if the animal's suffering resulted from torture or mutilation.

Jill Patterson, first assistant Greene County prosecuting attorney, said animal abuse cases are on the rise.

"Personally, I think they have grown significantly in the last 10 years; that is just anecdotal," Patterson said.

She said that could be because of increased community response and more people abandoning their pets.

Nicole Fowler, an animal control officer who responded to the scene, has been back to see Dover three times since his rescue and can't fathom how someone could do this.

"When it comes to cruelty and neglect, this is the most horrific I've seen. If you're in the position where you can't care for your animal, there are other humane ways of disposing of your animal," she said.

Fowler hopes someone will recognize this dog or knows something about this incident and call in with information.