San Luis Animal Control, with help from the San Luis Police Department, brought 2-year-old Siberian Husky “Loba” to the Humane Society of Yuma after she was seized from the owner’s property, according to a police report provided to the Yuma Sun.
The report said the owner, Mario A. Soto Duran (aka Mario Duran), 32, told the animal control officer that the dog, which was one-month pregnant, had been in its injured condition for about four months.
When the San Luis Animal Control spoke with Duran, according to the police report, Duran stated that Loba had her mouth stuck in a chain link fence several months prior. The release also said that Duran told San Luis Animal Control Officer V. Olivares that he had planned to “take her to a veterinary clinic or give her away” once she had her puppies.
“Upon removal of the animal from the property, it was determined that Loba was clearly in a large amount of pain as she could not completely close her mouth and the mass was oozing and bloody,” HSOY said.
The canine was first sent to Desert Veterinary Clinic in Yuma, according to the police report, where veterinarians determined that Loba’s injury was beyond their scope. She was then scheduled to see a specialist in San Diego in mid-December, where more than half of her lower jaw was later removed during surgery, the report said.
HSOY said in its release that the mass was subsequently found to be cancerous, and the cancer was “never treated or tended to in a humane manner.”
“Unfortunately, Loba is one more case in our war against animal cruelty in Yuma County. Loba went through unnecessary pain and suffering. Had the owner sought medical care for Loba at the first sign of her having issues, Loba would have endured a lot less pain and suffering” said Annette Lagunas, executive director of the Humane Society of Yuma.
Duran, who was arrested Dec. 29, has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty: two for failing to provide necessary medical attention, one of subjecting animal to cruel mistreatment, one of unlawfully killing a working dog or service animal without the owner’s consent, and cruel neglect or abandonment.
“Loba is in the loving care of a volunteer with the Humane Society of Yuma,” Lagunas said.
“Though we don’t know what the future holds for Loba because of the cancer she has been diagnosed with, we do know that the rest of her time here will be filled with nothing but love.”
“She’s doing good compared to what she was,” said Cutter Chamberlain, HSOY marketing manager, who confirmed that the dog is currently in foster care. Unfortunately, she lost her pups due to the surgery.
The San Luis Police Department incurred significant expenses related to Loba’s surgery, including follow-up care, lab tests and the animal control officer’s travel between Yuma and San Diego. The balance of the bills exceed $4,500.
To donate to Loba’s care, call the HSOY at 782-1621 or the San Luis Police Department at 928-341-2420.
(Yuma Sun - Jan 29, 2106)
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