Dog thrown from 40-foot bridge succumbs to health issues

Jenna Wilson, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·2 min read

Jun. 24—Despite hard-fought attempts to save an abused dog who was thrown from a bridge earlier this month, staff at Angel's Vet Express confirmed the pit bull has died.

Veterinarians at Angel's Vet Express were hopeful that the various surgeries performed on the pit bull, who suffered from other underlying health issues at the hands of neglect prior to being thrown from a 40-foot bridge, would give the animal another chance at life.

Due to the critical condition of the dog, she didn't survive the many surgeries and died one week ago, Angel's co-owner Gary Silverglat confirmed.

"We do everything in the world to save animals who come in and are normally just sick," Silverglat said. "When you deal with a situation like this that's caused by people rather than the animal just being naturally sick, it makes us really mad. It goes against everything we stand for and respect for life."

Before being thrown off the bridge and suffering from broken bones, the dog's health was declining from heartworms due to previous owners not properly taking care of the pet, Silverglat said.

"We were already fighting through losing battles, but if it didn't have heartworms, we may have been able to possibly save her life even after falling from the bridge," he added.

The last piece of information News-Press NOW received from the Andrew County Sheriff's Office confirmed that they were in connection with an identified suspect responsible for the incident.

"At this time, the prosecuting attorney's office has not yet received any submissions from law enforcement about the case but as soon as we do a decision will be made promptly regarding the case," said Andrew County Prosecuting Attorney Monica Morrey in a statement to News-Press NOW on Monday, June 24.

Silverglat said this situation serves as a reminder for residents to report any form of animal abuse as soon as it's noticed.

"If you see it, call us and report it," he said. "We can't fix it if we can't find it. Especially as of recent, with this heat we're experiencing. All pets need to be in the shade and with cold water. If you see a dog out somewhere without an owner, call us and call law enforcement immediately."

Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.