Some individuals are capable of committing such heinous acts that it fills the rest of us with shame for belonging to the same species. Animals, on the other hand, often act out of hunger or fear in the wild, never resorting to killing or torturing for pleasure.
In a harrowing incident, our protagonist, a French Mastiff named Athena, had the misfortune of being owned by a sadistic individual who not only took pleasure in tormenting her but also subjected her to the horrifying ordeal of being buried alive. This distressing event unfolded until a compassionate Samaritan, out for a walk with his dog, noticed something protruding from the ground. Upon closer inspection, he realized that it was the head of a dog, and he knew he had to take immediate action.
Athena was discovered buried alive on August 4, with only her head exposed. Remarkably, she had managed to free her head to some extent, although she remained anchored to the ground.
Athena was in a severely weakened and dehydrated state, yet remarkably calm during her rescue. The Samaritan’s dog, aptly named Goddess, also played a pivotal role, providing encouragement throughout the ordeal.
Given Athena’s state of dehydration, her rescuer offered her water in small, cautious sips, understanding that providing large quantities at once could harm a dehydrated animal. The rescue proceeded slowly as the compassionate individual chose to use his hands instead of a shovel, ensuring the dog’s safety.
Following her rescue, Athena was taken to a local veterinary clinic, where she received treatment for shock and dehydration. The veterinarians determined that she was at least 10 years old and had suffered prolonged abuse.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Athena is now pictured alongside two new Rottweiler friends, adjusting to a life filled with a loving family, friends, and proper care.
Authorities managed to locate Athena’s owner thanks to her ID tag, revealing that he lived near the vacant lot in Paris where Athena was found. He denied any involvement in the incident, claiming that she had run away. However, the evidence painted a different picture, showing that the dog had endured long-term abuse and was suffering from osteoarthritis, making it unlikely for her to flee.
The 21-year-old owner was arrested on a Saturday afternoon and will face charges of animal cruelty. The trial is scheduled for May. People have initiated a petition seeking the maximum penalty, which includes a two-year prison sentence and a $33,000 fine. Petitioners are also advocating for him to be denied bail, expressing concerns that cruelty to animals is a precursor to harming human beings.
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