A seriously injured dog was successfully rescued after being found buried alive on a Hawaiian beach by her owner. According to The New York Post, the rescue organization PAWS of Hawaii reported that the owner was armed with a machete, raising concerns about what might have happened next. “Someone had just buried her, and with a machete in hand, who knows what their intentions were?” said a representative from PAWS
After rescuing the dog from West Oahu beach and placing it in the safety and care of medical professionals, the organization named the dog Leialoha — which means “beloved child.” PAWS said it’s “entire team rushed out to pick her up” when news of her situation became apparent.
The previous owner has yet to be identified, though any legal repercussions are unlikely to stick, as no undeniable evidence of his mistreatment exists.
“The man who buried her, we were led to believe, had started to cut her,” said PAWS executive director Ku’ulei Durand.
“This precious girl is incredibly swollen, sunburned and missing 90% of her fur,” said PAWS. Leialoha was in such a terrible condition that she was “bleeding from every inch of her body” during her first bath after being rescued.
The dog was so badly injured that the animal group firmly believes her owner was attempting to kill her.
“He felt he was ending her suffering by trying to end her life, instead of getting her the help she needed,” said Durand. “Her skin, if you were able to smell her, is rancid because she has so many open sores that are infected.”
Durand added that she was a “tough girl, so strong and amazing” for pulling through and fighting to live another day.
That one day of love has fortunately been indefinitely extended, as Leialoha has been taken in by a foster mother named Amanda. The new owner updated shocked onlookers online with a Facebook post that reassured everyone Leialoha would never experience such treatment again.
“My heart was broken and I knew she needed us to foster her,” said Amanda. “She has a long way to go, but the worst is over. Say aloha to Leia!”
Leialoha bled from every inch of her body during the first bath after being rescued. She’s since found a new, loving home.
As for the dog’s previous owner, no news of potential legal trouble has surfaced as of yet and the perpetrator remains unidentified. Durand explained that repercussions for the man are unlikely, as the laws are quite specific relating to what is considered animal abuse.
“Enforcement around animal laws is very difficult,” she said. “Unless you have a video of the animal being abused, a picture and a report isn’t going to stick.”
“A lot of people will be upset over the condition of Leialoha and the person that hurt her. There are so many things you can do to help, like contact local rescues or shelters and see what you can do to assist.”
