News Summary
A 10-month-old shepherd puppy is recovering at a San Diego animal shelter after suffering a severe neck injury from a chain collar. Despite surgery to remove the collar and treat the wound, the puppy will need further surgery for complete healing. The County’s Department of Animal Services is seeking help to identify the puppy’s owner, as efforts to trace them have been unsuccessful. Once fully healed, the puppy will be neutered, vaccinated, and available for adoption, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
San Diego, California – A 10-month-old male shepherd puppy is currently recovering at the County of San Diego’s Bonita animal shelter after suffering a severe neck injury caused by a tightly embedded chain collar. The puppy was taken to the shelter on October 13, where veterinary staff performed surgery to remove the collar and treat the wound.
Despite the surgery, the puppy is expected to undergo another surgical procedure for complete healing. The animal has shown a resilient spirit and is described as cheerful, wagging his tail at visitors who come to see him. The County’s Department of Animal Services is reaching out to the public for assistance in identifying the puppy’s owner, as they have been unable to trace the dog back to anyone despite it being microchipped.
Animal Services officials report that once the puppy fully recovers, he will be neutered, vaccinated, and made available for adoption. As the search for the owner continues, the County is urging pet owners to regularly check their animals’ collars and ensure that microchip information is up to date to prevent such distressing situations in the future.
Puppy’s Condition and Care
The shepherd puppy’s condition upon arrival warranted immediate veterinary intervention due to the severity of the injury inflicted by the collar. The entwined chain caused significant damage, and surgery was required to address the wound effectively. The surgical removal of the collar alleviated the dog’s immediate plight, but follow-up care will be necessary for complete recovery.
Owner Identification Efforts
Despite the presence of a microchip, which is intended to help pet owners reunite with their lost animals, the efforts of the County’s Department of Animal Services to trace the puppy’s owner have been unsuccessful. The department is appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the identification of the puppy’s owner. Individuals who have details about the case are encouraged to call the hotline at 619-236-2341, with assurances that callers can remain anonymous.
Recommendations for Pet Owners
This incident highlights the importance of pet safety and responsible ownership practices. The County of San Diego’s animal services recommend that pet owners conduct regular checks of their pets’ collars to prevent injuries like those sustained by this puppy. Additionally, it is vital for pet owners to keep their microchip information updated, ensuring quick and effective reunification should a pet become lost. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of harm and enhance the welfare of pets.
Conclusion
The community’s support can play a vital role in assisting the County in resolving this matter. By reaching out with any relevant information, members of the public can contribute to ensuring that the puppy finds a safe and loving home following his recovery.
In summary, the case of the shepherd puppy underscores a broader message regarding pet care. The County is committed to providing the necessary medical assistance to this animal and hopes for a swift resolution regarding its ownership status. Pet owners are reminded to prioritize their animals’ safety to avoid similar unfortunate incidents in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Patch: County Seeks Owner of Puppy with Severe Neck Injury
- County News Center: Puppy Recovering from Severe Collar Injury
- NBC San Diego: Puppy with Neck Injury at Bonita Shelter
- CBS8: County Animal Services Seeks Help Finding Animal Abuse Suspect
- Wikipedia: Pet Ownership

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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