Sixteen Deep Wounds: New Facts in the Case of the Dog Whose Owner Wanted to Put Down
"The dog had a spiny thorn embedded in its neck: 16 deep wounds, each 1.5 cm long. It also has a huge swelling on the back of its neck, from which pus is oozing. The condition of the wounds indicates that the dog suffered like this for at least several weeks," reports the Homeless Animal Shelter in Szczecin. Photo: Homeless Animal Shelter
A new chapter in the shocking story of a 2-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier whose owner first wanted to euthanize him and then abandoned him. "It reveals abuse and suffering that no one should have to experience," say the caregivers at the Szczecin Animal Shelter, sharing photos of the dog with 16 deep wounds from a spiked collar that had embedded itself in its neck.
Last week, the public was shocked by the case of a young dog whose owners demanded euthanasia. They claimed it had bitten its owner. The vet refused euthanasia, finding no medical basis for the procedure. The 26-year-old owner then decided to get rid of the American Staffordshire Terrier. He first called the authorities, claiming there was a stray dog in the Dąbie area. After some time, however, he brought the American Staffordshire Terrier to the Animal Shelter, where he provided staff with false information about the animal's origins. And, in effect, abandoned the dog.
Abandonment is also a form of animal abuse, which - according to the Animal Protection Act - is punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
"The evidence gathered allowed the man to be charged with animal cruelty. The suspect pleaded not guilty and refused to provide any explanation," the Szczecin police reported.
However, the 26-year-old's legal situation changed radically when new facts in the case came to light.
"We discovered that the dog had a spiked collar embedded in its neck: 16 deep wounds, each 1.5 cm long. It also has a massive swelling on its neck, which is oozing pus. The condition of the wounds indicates that the dog has been suffering for at least several weeks," reports the Szczecin Animal Shelter. "We had to sedate the dog to remove the spiked collar and clean the wounds. Now, he can't wear anything around his neck for several weeks. He's receiving pain medication and antibiotics."
"The dog suffered excruciating pain. When someone attached a leash to the spiked collar, the wounds deepened. No one—human or animal—would be able to bear it calmly. Aggression in the face of such suffering is not only understandable, but downright natural," commenters at the Szczecin shelter.
The Szczecin resident will therefore be held accountable not only for abandoning an animal, but above all for acting with extreme cruelty. His partner may also face the same charge—which carries a penalty of three months to five years in prison and a mandatory court-ordered fine of between PLN 1,000 and PLN 100,000 for animal protection purposes.
- This is a much more serious accusation, which - we hope - will lead to real consequences for the owners - comment at the shelter.©℗
More on this topic in "Kurier Szczeciński" and eKurier of August 25, 2025.
Arleta NALEWAJKO
Zenek
2025-08-23 19:32:31
There should be an administrative permit for owning a dog in the city, which would limit animal suffering, but the dog lobby is opposed. It's also strange that no one wanted to help this helpless owner of a dangerous dog, even though the animal was suffering.
Kurier Szczecinski
