UPDATE (June 7, 2016)
This morning Lane County Circuit Court Judge Charles Zennaché ruled on the dog’s forfeiture case. No individuals appeared to claim ownership of the dog. He is now in the process of placement with Officer Robert Rosales, one of the officers who helped get him quickly to emergency medical treatment, helped collect and provided his own donations for Earl’s medical services, and can provide an optimal home and the ongoing care that Earl will need.
Animal Services appreciates the overwhelming support and compassion the community has shown to Earl and hope that many will consider adopting their next pet from a shelter.
UPDATE (April 29, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.):
Earl was released yesterday and is now in foster care for his safety and to continue his recovery. There are still concerns over his long term care and prognosis, as he has been diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury.
Note: we are not able to provide further information at this time because the case is in the court process.
UPDATE at 11:30, April 27
Animal Services wants to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has kept Earl in their thoughts or donated towards his care. We are happy to share that we no longer need donations. Enough money has been raised to cover the care Earl has received and any additional care he will need at the Emergency Veterinary Hospital.
The officer who transported Earl to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital yesterday has been visiting Earl often to check on his condition, and also provided money out of his own pocket for Earl’s care. At around 1:00 a.m. today, he went to visit again. The doctor told him she believes Earl is slowly improving. He was able to lift his head and open his eyes. He is still on pain medication, but was able to perk up and eat some food offered. As of this post Earl continues to make slow strides on his own.
We have received a lot of interest from people wanting to foster or adopt Earl. He is currently not available for adoption and it is too early to give anyone a timeline on when that will change. There are fosters lined up when he is ready. Please continue to follow our regular updates to keep track of how Earl is doing and what the future holds.
UPDATE at 5 p.m., April 26
UPDATE:
Animal services has been in contact with the Emergency Veterinary Hospital throughout the day. Earl is slowly showing signs of improvement but remains in critical condition. The biggest concern right now is the trauma inflicted to his head. Thank you to everyone that has contributed donations towards his care. Our main priority right now is getting Earl in stable condition. We are asking people to continue to follow us for updates ad hold off on adoption inquiries.
UPDATE at 10:30 a.m., April 26, 2016:
Animal Services supervisor just returned from checking on Earl. She said the doctors are impressed with the improvements he has made although he is still considered critical. They had him out and he was able to stand on his front legs and go to the bathroom on his own. He still not able to stand on his back legs and it will take time to see whether it is a spinal issue. They checked and he is not bleeding internally. They are going to do x-rays this morning to may sure there are no fractures. Time is going to tell them more but everyone is optimistic.
PREVIOUSLY RELEASED INFORMATION
On April 26 at 12:50 a.m., a security guard at Valley River Center observed a man, later identified as Zachary Michael Ralston, age 24, in the parking lot outside his Mustang choking, throwing, kicking and punching a small dog. Officers arrived and conducted a traffic stop. They found the dog in the car unresponsive and beaten nearly to death. They also found Ralston in possession of Methamphetamine and Heroin.
The dog was rushed to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital where he remains in critical condition. When the dog, Earl, arrived he had an abnormally slow heart rate of 50 BPM, normal it is between 100 and 160. He has shown some improvement and will remain under 24 hours care at the Emergency Veterinary Hospital until he is stable.
Ralston was watching the dog for a friend. At this time, Animal Services and Eugene Police are attempting to locate the owner.
Ralston was arrested for Aggravated Animal Abuse, Unlawful Possession of Heroin and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail.
Anyone interested in contributing towards Earl’s care can donate directly to the Emergency Veterinary Hospital at 541.746.0112 or in person at 103 W. Q Street in Springfield. They can accept up to a $100 non tax deductible donation over the phone.