Saving Stimpy

Posted at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Stimpy was wasting away. Whether he had a medical condition or simply couldn't compete for food against the other, stronger dog on the property is not clear. But he was obviously suffering and slowly dying.

After weeks of watching Stimpy's condition deteriorate while waiting for local authorities to intervene, a concerned citizen called PETA and asked us to step in. Our cruelty caseworkers leaped into action and quickly convinced animal control officers to visit the property. Once the officers arrived, they acknowledged that Stimpy's situation was desperate and convinced Stimpy's guardian to surrender custody of him.

Stimpy is just one example of the countless "backyard dogs" suffering at the hands of neglectful guardians. While these people may not intentionally abuse animals, the end result is the same: misery, anguish, and often death.

Animals left outside are put at risk by a range of hazards—including parasites, diseases, and weather extremes as well as "bunchers" (people who steal animals and sell them to laboratories) and other cruel people.

Our cruelty caseworkers constantly receive calls about "backyard dogs" like Stimpy, and regardless of whether the call is from New York City or Small Town, Arkansas, the stories are almost always the same. We know that abuse and neglect can happen anywhere, at anytime, and dogs like Stimpy rely on people like you to be on the look out for their suffering. So regardless of whether you live in a metropolis or in the middle of a cornfield—please keep your eyes and ears peeled for mistreated animals and speak up whenever you suspect foul play.

Posted by Jeff Mackey

Comments

Thank goodness someone was watching out for Stimpy and stood up for him. What happened to him?

Posted by: Emily | July 24, 2009 11:21 AM

Good post, but what happened to Stimpy?

Posted by: Aneliese | July 24, 2009 12:28 PM

I hope that people will stick up for the chained dogs suffering in their neighborhoods. Take pictures and video, report this abuse!

Posted by: Thomas | July 24, 2009 02:07 PM

Same as Emily, I'm wondering what happened to Stimpy. Poor baby, I hope he's doing better. Bless the person who reported this abuse.

Posted by: Domino | July 24, 2009 03:24 PM

Were charges brought against the owners???? If not is there an address that we can write to? Geez, there's nothing stopping the owner from going out and getting another puppy and doing the same to him once he grows and is not longer so "cute"??

Posted by: Chris | July 24, 2009 08:30 PM

Why do local animal officials and police officers need to be forced and pushed to do thier job??? This happens everywhere--they drag their feet and make people who report these animals to them feel like they are bieng pests.

Posted by: Kelley | July 25, 2009 09:59 AM

I am also wondering what happend with stimpy. I hope that he is doing much better now. Def. report this kind of neglect.

Posted by: Mia | July 25, 2009 09:44 PM

We all have to do our part, last dec, my husband and i rescued an akita being used for breeding , she was on craigs list for free. when we picked her up you could see her ribs. the owners were done w/ her.she smelled. she was so needy.she was so sweet. we paid for spaying shots and grooming. we couldn't keep her because my male akita and zoey didn't get along.we took her to akita rescue and she was adopted by the groomer there,she shares a home with another dog and cat. today she is very happy.

Posted by: bonnie | July 25, 2009 10:50 PM

Looks like Stimpy's owner could afford a nice 4-wheeler ATV...just not dog food. Way to have your priorities straight. Good thing Stimpy is out of the hands of these jerks and somewhere getting some much needed love...and food.

Posted by: matt | July 25, 2009 11:34 PM

This is just plain animal abuse and those who do this should be arrested with a hefty fine or better yet leave them in the backyard for a couple of months without food or water!!!!!!!!

Posted by: carla | July 26, 2009 12:03 PM

I think the owner should've been arrested for animal neglect.>:O I don't understand why people even consider having pets if they're gonna treat them so poorly!

Posted by: Emily | July 27, 2009 08:40 AM

Thanks for all your kind comments regarding Stimpy's case. For anyone who was wondering, Stimpy was an old dog in failing health, and his body was not able to withstand the hard times that he was made to endure. Animal control in his county was forced to make the only humane decision and painlessly euthanized him to end his suffering.

Posted by: Shawna Flavell | July 27, 2009 04:30 PM

I'm sure the cartoon Stimpy would be crying so hard for the dog, his eyes would be sitting atop twin water spouts.

Posted by: Jackie | July 30, 2009 07:54 AM

Here in Kansas I come across MNY dogs in similar situations as Stimpy's and I don't know what to do! Here in Kansas people aren't the brightest and there are so few dog and other animal lovers i wonder why people get dogs they don't like or want oe=r want to take carenof...then don't want tro give them to loving families. Are they stubborn or stupid or heartless or all of the above?

Posted by: Christine Schoenfeld | January 12, 2010 12:17 AM