December 19, 2023

Thanks to the joint efforts of the Brandywine Valley SPCA, the South Coatesville Police Department, and a good Samaritan, a suspect has been identified and charged in the abuse of a dog found with multiple injuries to the face and amputation of her back leg.

Police were alerted to a South Coatesville home by a tipster who heard the dog crying and yelping in pain. When officers arrived, they found the dog severely emaciated with multiple visible wounds, including a severed back leg. The dog, Ava, was rushed to VRC Specialty Hospital in Malvern for emergency treatment.

“It’s a miracle Ava survived with the type of injuries she has sustained. It’s sickening to think about the trauma she’s endured and we are committed to providing her with the medical attention and care she needs to heal both physically and emotionally,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA’s CEO. “Ava deserves more than this abuse, and we are doing everything we can to get justice for her and make sure no other animals suffer the same fate at the hands of her abuser.”

The suspect faces four felony counts of aggravated cruelty charges and four misdemeanor counts of cruelty and neglect charges.

Ava remains hospitalized with multiple injuries all over her body in various stages of healing, likely from sustained abuse over time. One of Ava’s eyes has been severely damaged, and she has multiple older fractures in her leg and ribs, as well as damage to her lungs and multiple broken teeth. She will need to have her maimed leg surgically amputated.

“Despite this, Ava has been sweet and is eating well for us here,” said Sarah Fatula, the medical director for VRC Specialty Hospital.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is working to secure a medical foster who can give Ava the care she needs during this long road to recovery.

Incidents of cruelty take place far too often, and BVSPCA has a team of humane law enforcement officials standing by to protect dogs and cats in both Chester and Delaware Counties. However, BVSPCA wants to remind the community that there are always resources available. BVSPCA remains a resource for lost, neglected, or unwanted animals and for pet owners who are struggling to afford to care for their pets. The BVSPCA would like to thank the South Coatesville Police Department for their commitment to not just people, but pets as well, and the team at VRC Specialty Hospital for providing emergency care for Ava.

To support Ava’s extensive medical care, and the important work BVSPCA’s team is performing on the front lines to prevent future cases of neglect, donations can be made at https://bvspca.org.