Dog survives being shot 3 times with bow and arrows

Dog survives being shot 3 times with bow and arrows

April 30, 2007

By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Reporter

MORRISTOWN (WATE) -- In southeast Hamblen County, animal control officers found a disturbing case of animal cruelty, a dog shot at least three times with a bow and arrows. Now they're trying to find the person who took aim.

The small terrier mix dog survived being shot with three hunting arrows. Animal Control officers found the young male dog behind a home on Springvale Road on Tuesday, April 24.

Dr. Richard Hewitt of Richfield Animal Hospital in Morristown has been taking care of the dog. He says the dog was shot at least three times. One arrow was still lodged in his right rear leg when he arrived at the vet. He was also shot in the neck and chest.

"Fortunately, it was low enough that the arrow did not hit anything vital," Hewitt says. "Any higher and it would have been...it was already life threatening, but any higher and it would have been very unfortunate."

The doctor believes the dog is between two and four-years-old. He's hobbling around pretty well on his broken leg. The doctor showed 6 News the dog's X-ray, showing the arrow going through his leg. It shattered the animal's shin bone.

"He's got a splint that's on the outside of the leg. But what we're wanting to do is put either pins, orthopedic pins or plates, on the inside and reposition the bone," Hewitt explains. 

Since he's been at the animal hospital, the veterinarian assistants have been showing the dog lots of love and he's returning their affection. When allowed to roam freely around the office, the dog hobbles over to the nearest person and offers a friendly lick. 

"I don't understand the reason for the injuries in an animal that is that easy going," Hewitt says. "If given a chance, he probably would have walked right up to whoever shot him. It's just sad."

Animal control Officer Richard Hart found and nicknamed the dog "Archer." Hart says seeing the dog suffering made him angry. "It makes me very mad. I could understand if the animal was shot once, possibly an accident, but three times, someone was intentionally trying to do this."

Officers don't know if Archer belongs to anyone or who would want to hurt him. He had successful surgery to repair his leg Monday. Now, the humane society will look for someone to adopt him.

"It's a good little dog. It will make somebody a good pet and he will recover. In a few weeks, a few months, he'll be running. He'll be playing," Hewitt says. 

If you have any information about what happened to the dog or would like to help, please call the Morristown/Hamblen County Humane Society at (423)-581-1494 or visit their Web site.

The Humane Society is looking for a good home for Archer and accepting donations to help pay for his medical bills. You can send a donation to: 
300 Dice Street
Morristown, TN 37814