USA, TX: Greyhound found in a coyote trap

[filou007de]

From www.kxan.com

Greyhound found in a coyote trap

Dog was emaciated and near death

* Casey James <http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/news_team/casey-james>

Video at:
http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/aust ... oyote-trap

AUSTIN (KXAN) -

A starved greyhound -- close to death -- is now on the road to recovery
after being found in a coyote trap in an area northwest of Austin on Sunday.

His name is Spirit of Texas, an appropriate name for a greyhound determined
to live after facing near death.

"In his starved conditions he wouldn't have lasted very long," said Marine
Reeder, a Greyhound Protection League volunteer.

When the property owner found the dog, he was extremely dehydrated and
malnourished. The dog was nothing but skin and bones and near death.

"They brought him in immediately, they didn't even take him out of the
trap." said Reeder. "They wanted to get him help immediately and it was
wonderful what they did."

They called the police and the police contacted the Greyhound Protection
League <http://www.greyhounds.org/> , a non profit organization that
protects greyhounds.

Not only was Spirit of Texas emaciated, he also had several infected wounds
and his left ear was cut off. Every race dog has a registered number
tattooed in its ear. When a greyhound is no longer profitable in racing,
some owners will cut the ear off so they can't be traced back.

"Cutting the ear off is a way some breeders make sure he can't be
identified," Reeder said.

Reeder has been helping protect greyhounds for years and has seen her fair
share of mistreatment.

"We're not a fan of the racing industry when things like this happen. The
industry needs to be more responsible for what happens to the dogs after
their done racing and no longer profitable," Reeder said.

With frequent small meals throughout the day, a few medications and a love
from a caring foster family, Spirit of Texas is improving every day.

The Greyhound Protection League is offering a $5,000 reward for the arrest
and prosecution of the abuser.

Spirit of Texas will be up for adoption once he gets strong enough.

If you think he would be a great addition to your family you can visit the
organization's website <http://www.greyhounds.org/gpl/contents/entry.html>
for more information.