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[May 12, 2025]
Last Monday afternoon, our Investigations team responded to a report of a dog in distress in south Houston. A concerned community member had spotted a dog with a plastic jug stuck on his head. He had been abandoned alongside several other dogs and two rabbits. Tragically, one rabbit had already passed away, likely from starvation.
All surviving animals were swiftly transported to our hospital, where the top priority was removing the jug from the dog’s head. He couldn’t see clearly, eat, or drink, and needed immediate care.
The jug, believed to be part of an automatic pet feeder, had become stuck as he likely tried to access food. The top of the jug was open, allowing limited air, but the poor dog had been unable to eat or drink for an extended period.
Our veterinary staff and Investigators devised a plan to remove the jug without sedation. Using canned food as a distraction, they carefully used surgical scissors to cut into the plastic just enough to free his head. Once he could see again, the dog began smiling and taking in the bright faces around him. He is now in stable condition and receiving ongoing care.
“This was a potentially life-threatening situation,” said Dr. Westbrook, our Chief Veterinarian and Vice President of Veterinary Medicine. “The jug was tightly secured around his neck, and the dog had no way to eat or hydrate. If the report had come in later, the outcome could have been much different.”
The three rescued animals are now under our care, and a cruelty report has been filed. If you see signs of neglect in your neighborhood, report it immediately at 714-869-7722.
