CHRISTIANSTED — A concerned citizen brought an injured dog to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (SCAWC) on Monday, authorities said.
The dog was found in the Haugland Energy staging area next to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority power plant located in Estate Richmond, dragging both of its rear legs, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.
X-ray photos taken at the SCAWC revealed that the dog’s rear legs were broken, and several different size projectiles were lodged in the dog’s leg and body, according to the VIPD.
“On April 15, the dog underwent surgery, repairing its legs and removing the projectiles, which included a .45 caliber bullet,” VIPD spokesman Toby Derima said.
The VIPD Animal Cruelty Investigator was contacted about this incident, and it has been classified as a first-degree animal abuse case, according to Derima.
Anyone who has information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator is asked to call 911, the VIPD Animal Cruelty Investigator at (340) 778-2211 extension 6097, or the paying anonymous tip line Crime Stoppers USVI at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).