Pup beaten in car has broken bones, human bite mark
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) - A puppy beaten outside a Memphis restaurant last month is now in the care of Tails of Hope Dog Rescue, recovering from several injuries.
The brutal beating of the eight-month-old pup named Brixleigh was captured on camera and shared online. The video showed a man repeatedly hitting a dog in the backseat of a car and the dog crying out in pain.
A day after the video surfaced, the dog was surrendered to police, and a warrant was issued for Justin Johnson, 34, for aggravated animal cruelty.
Tails of Hope said the pup they are now calling Brixie has fractures in both of her femoral heads, or the "ball" part of her hip joints, a human bite mark on her ear, and lacerations on her body.
The rescue group said the fracture to her left femoral head is an old injury, and the break to the right femoral head is new, likely the result of the recent beating.
Surgery to repair the damage and physical therapy for Brixie will cost just under $7,800.
"Brixie didn't deserve what happened to her. No creature deserves to be abused," the group posted on Facebook. "When we met Brixie, we promised her, as we do with all our dogs, to help them heal and, when they are ready, find them the best forever home possible."
Brixie also needed 20 stitches to close the wound to her ear.
Tails of Hope has set up two fundraising pages, Brixie Brixie’s Cuddly Fundraiser & Wishlist and Brixie's Recovery Room. They have already raised over $6,000 for the dog.
Memphis police are still looking for Justin Johnson.