Skip to main content

Rescued malnourished Mastiff on the road to recovery

WASHINGTON– A Mastiff found extremely malnourished in Prince George’s County earlier this month is on the road to recovery.

Violet – as she’s been named by those caring for her – was found weighing just 56.4 pounds.  Healthy Mastiffs typically weigh around 150 pounds.

“Her case is definitely one of the more severe of the starvation cases I’ve seen,” says Melanie Samet, President and Founder of the Mutts Matter Rescue Program.  Violet was found after someone called a tip into police in Clinton, Maryland., on Feb. 8.

“Their rescue department contacted us because they knew that they could not provide the care that she needed right away,” Samet explains.  “She basically needed immediate 24-7 medical care.”

Violet is now with a foster family and is making progress.  “She’s eating 5 small meals a day, and she is slowly putting on some weight,” Samet says.

But all those meals and constant care can get expensive.

“We set up a food fund because she’s eating so frequently that its costing the rescue $200-$250 a week.”  Samet explains.

Violet now also  has a Facebook page for anyone who would like to follow her on her road to recovery.  Daily updates on Violet’s progress are being posted on that page.

“She’s improving every day.”  Samet says. “Physically, I’m hoping that she is out of the woods, but I’m sure that mentally she will have some scars.”

The Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who can help arrest, and convict, whoever did this to Violet.

Anyone with information that could help solve the case should call the Prince George’s County’s Animal Management Division at 301-780-7241.

Bat and skunk test positive for rabies in Charles Co., following 2 rabid beaver attacks

Two animals in Charles County, Maryland, have tested positive for rabies, according to the county's health department. A bat and a skunk were both found to have the disease and the health department is warning area residents to keep an eye out and avoid contact with unknown animals and wildlife. The bat was discovered in Waldorf and the skunk was found in Port Tobacco. Both animals tested positive for rabies on Friday. This comes after three attacks within a month by beavers at Maryland state parks. Two beavers that bit people at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies. A beaver that attacked a 10-year-old girl at Seneca Creek State Park was not found but was presumed rabid.
Read Next Story