Coachella Valley Animal Campus treats dog with apparent chemical burns

Veterinarians at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms treated a dog suffering from severe injuries sustained through apparent chemical burns.

The dog, a male Australian shepherd mix, had a large sections of his back and a portion of its tail was missing its natural coat and reddened by the suspected chemical burns.

“He was experiencing pain and was very uncomfortable with being touched,” said Supervising Registered Veterinary Technician Lori Stamp-Brown.

Lori Stamp-Brown sedated the dog. The dog was then given a medicated bath and was treated with him pain medications and antibiotics.

According to the Riverside County Department of Animals Services, a good samaritan found the dog as a stray and brought it to the Coachella Valley Animal Campus. The dog did not have a microchip.

The department is uncertain if the injuries were accidental or if someone purposely injured the dog in an act of cruelty.

"We find it very troubling that someone may have willfully hurt this sweet dog in such a brutal manner," said Animal Services director Julie Bank. "We welcome any tips from the community and, meanwhile, we will continue to provide the dog with the treatment he deserves."

Anyone with any information about the dog is urged to call 951-358-7387 or e-mail Animal Services at shelterinfo@rivco.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.