Golden Retriever Neglected
Golden Retriever Neglected Save Email Print
Posted: 7:44 PM Jul 29, 2008
 Last Updated: 7:44 PM Jul 29, 2008
 Reporter: Carrie Cline
Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com
65 comments
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Chained up and cut deep! That was the grueling life for a Golden Retreiver after members of the community say the owner abandoned the dog. It's a story we have to warn you about--some of these images you're going to see are pretty disgusting.

“I’m so angry and mad. If the owner had just paid attention to the dog once a day for just five minutes, he would have noticed the problem! Said Dr. Steve Mahnken with Best Friends Animal Hospital in Winfield.

Dr. Mahnken doesn't mix words when expressing his rage over the neglect of this loveable Golden Retreiver--Hammer. The dog arrived at his animal hospital in Winfield three days ago with a heavy chain imbedded in his neck!

“The link was partially buried in his neck and I had to cut it to slip it out. You’re talking a half to one inch. I could stick my finger in up to my first knuckle,” said Dr. Mahnken.

In photos taken before the tedious surgery to remove the chain. You can see the links have become a part of hammer's neck-a process the vet says takes at least five to six months to happen. Dr. Mahnken says the infection was so advanced, it's stomach-turning.

“It would make you vomit if you weren't used to it. I’m used to it. But, you could smell it all over the building. I wouldn’t eat finger foods with my hands. It was that bad even with gloves on my hands. It soaked into my skin,” said Dr. Mahnken.

After carefully cutting and slicing, the chain is gone and Hammer is doing fine. Like most dogs, all he wants is a head rub and some love and attention. Instead, this was home, a trailer in Proctorville, Ohio. This tree-his anchor. Neighbors didn't want to talk on camera fearful the owner would retaliate. But, after sheriff's deputies found out, they moved in and made sure the dog got out.

“It’s going to take a court order for me to let this dog go. I’m not letting him go until I make sure he has a good home,” said Dr. Mahnken.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department is searching for the owner. Criminal charges of animal neglect may be pending. Dr. Mahnken is working with the Putnam County Humane Society to ensure the dog gets a good home. If you’d like to learn more about Hammer, just call the Best Friends Animal Hospital at 304-586-0490.
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Posted by: c on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:38 AM
What happened to the video for this story? I wanted to view it again and it appears to be gone?
Posted by: Ambers Mother on Aug 3, 2008 at 04:04 AM
I am blown away by the way people have been so quick to judge Amber. She is a 14 YEAR OLD GIRL who had very little contact with her dad, and lives a completely different life for over 10 years now. Hammer just happened to live with him. We as adults assume you take care of your pets and take them with you when you move. People keep asking us why we didn't go and get Hammer before this happened to him. Do you really think if we had known that we wouldn't have ? Amber was named "co-owner" and labeled with her father, when in fact she went on the air to let the public know that Hammer was loved and she does not agree with animal abuse. Can you imagine her horror, seeing her dog on tv, learning of his abuse and wondering what will happen to her dad ? She has not talked to him yet. We would like to thank the people that allowed her to visit Hammer, the ones that rescued him, and the ones that nursed him back to health. He is doing GREAT. AMBER AND HAMMER need your support and prayers.
Posted by: Enforce the Laws on Aug 1, 2008 at 12:43 AM
To:Posted by:David,Maybe the Animal Warden was on call. I'm sure they get lots of calls for different things! Such as: Dog's or cat's people get and don't take care of,don't claim them,move away leaving animal's to become stray's that have litter's of cats & dog's, which become a problem! Give warnings to neighbor's,who let their animals run streets to get (Hit with Cars), or bite someone. Complaints of people in the city, who own animal's that don't clean messes from their yards,for 6 month's to a year,that has 2,3&4 large dog's,SMELLS BAD,the dog's have to lay in it! Do THESE ANIMAL LOVER'S REALLY LOVE THEIR ANIMAL'S! The thing that get's most people,is if animal owner's (OBEYED THE LAWS),then their dogs & cat's WOULD NOT run the neighborhoods, messing or doing damage to other people's yard's. It's the animal owner's job to clean the mess up and keep their animal's in their OWN YARDS! You have no RIGHT to let your animals out to crap in my yard,because your to LAZY to pick it up!
Posted by: CJ on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:10 PM
TO: THE MAN- WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS STORY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT??? YOU HAVE READ SOMETHING WRONG IN BETWEEN THE LINES AND IT ISN'T RIGHT. I HAVE PLENTY OF MORALS. I HATE CHILD ABUSE ETC..BUT...I ALSO HAVE ENOUGH LOVE FOR ANIMALS. YOU'RE STUPID!!!!!!!!
Posted by: To: The Man on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:34 PM
I could not agree with you more. It is a sad state we live in when people care more about useless animals, than starving children who are abused daily. People need to prioritize their lives, and the priorities do not involve animals. Note that most animal lovers are anti social and are so close with their animals that no one else will spend time with them
Posted by: This is sad! on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:30 PM
They did not show the neighbors and I understand, but I wish they would have showed the owners. I would love to spit on them if they ever crossed my path.
Posted by: Chuck on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I would like to have my time with this dog abuser and a 1/2" chain. A dog is the only animal on earth that can love you more than you love it. I have seen some dogs that I like more than people, this is a good example,I am sure I wouldn't like the person responsible for this.
Posted by: golden retriever owner on Jul 31, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I love dogs. I cant stand for anyone to be mean to an animal. I also had a dog to adopt me that was chained up. I took him in and have had him for 2 years. It is hard to keep up with two dogs but I do whatever it takes. Sorry to Hammer. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Posted by: Alyssa on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:53 PM
God Bless the people who rescued this poor animal. And God Bless the vet who did surgery to help him. For all evil done, there is an angel doing good. Glad Hammer is doing better. What a gorgeous dog. He has a sweet but sad look in his eyes. I hope someone will adopt him and give him lots and lots of love and affection.
Posted by: Nadine on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:24 PM
To Lester: There are vets in Proctorville but they probably wouldn't take him. Have you ever been to Proctorville? Unless you make at LEAST 100,000 a year they don't care about you at all, let alone animals..
Posted by: Stacy on Jul 31, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Carrie, thank you for bringing light to this story. Maybe there should be tougher laws against those who are cruel to animals. We are supposed to be the superior being, yet look how a lot of people treat what's supposed to be their pet. Pitaful. If you can't treat an animal with dignity, respect, care and compassion, you have no business with a pet. If you don't love animals then don't get any pets. I would rather see a animal be put down then to have to suffer at the hands of cruelty. Its a shame.
Posted by: SHEILA on Jul 31, 2008 at 02:31 PM
I PRAY THAT THERE IS A NICE, HOT, SCALDING SPOT IN HELL FOR PEOPLE WHO MISTREAT ANIMALS. LAWS ARE NOT STRICT ENOUGH. THERE HAVE BEEN SOOOOO MANY CASES OF ABUSE - JAKE, THE TORTURED DOG TAPED TO A STEERING WHEEL BY MARK STARCHER, THE DONKEY THAT WAS DRUG BEHIND A 4 WHEELER, "HERCULES" THE GERMAN SHEPHERD STARVED TO DEATH BY JONATHAN BRAMMER, THE LIST GOES ON AND ON. THERE HAS TO BE SOME "JUST REWARDS" FOR THESE PEOPLE. I KNOW, LET'S TETHER THE PERSON WHO TETHERED HAMMER WITH A HUGE LOGGING CHAIN AND LEAVE THEM IN THE HOT SUN FOR A WHILE WITH NO WATER AND SEE HOW THEY LIKE IT!!!
Posted by: doglover on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:31 PM
God bless you for taking care of that dog and I hope it finds a good home, people like that dont need to have animals if they cant take care of them
Posted by: the man on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM
It is pretty sad that people will trip out over a dog but why not the little children all over the usa who go to bed hungry or are molested by sick step parents !!! I know that this report is about a dog but it burns me alive to hear all these comments about how cruel this dog owner is for what he has done but yet- no one- NONE!! Have enough morals to reach out and help in the war against child abuse!!!
Posted by: Witchery on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Hope that Hammer is going to be ok. Hoping that some loving person will take him in and take good care of him. No creature deserves the horrific treatment he received from his owner.
Posted by: ticked on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:40 AM
This is to "Does not brake for cats or dogs" I would like to see WSAZ delete this comment and block you from any further stupid remarks. You are probably the owner. Or live like he does.
Posted by: Carrie Cline on Jul 31, 2008 at 09:26 AM
To "Ticked Off", the reason the dog was found in Proctorville,OH, but treated in Winfield, WV is this: the injuries were discovered on Saturday. According to the people who helped rescue the dog, they couldn't find any local animal hospitals to come in and take the dog. They didn't say who they called. They said when they called "Best Friends" in Winfield, Dr. Mahnken agreed to see the dog immediately. One of the people may also use Dr. Mahnken as their personal vet, which may have made a difference.
Posted by: Pam on Jul 31, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Shame on the owner. I hope the dog finds a good home. Some people just do not need to have animals.
Posted by: Animal Lover on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:23 AM
To "Does not break for cats or dogs" - I am so shocked by your comment that I am almost speechless. Yes...it IS 'just a dog' but it is still one of God's creatures. I hope that someday if you are ever in a position to need help, you don't come across with someone with YOUR attitude of - "Get over it. It's such a heartless jerk"!!
Posted by: marcia on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:23 AM
people who abuse animals need to be done the same to get the true feeling of what it feels like. i hope this crule person never owns any kind of animal again
Posted by: Debbie on Jul 31, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Does not brake, hey leave your name, I think everyone should refuse to brake for you.
Posted by: Michael on Jul 31, 2008 at 01:55 AM
How could someone possible look at that dog and then mistreat it. I am an owner of a Golden retriever myself and have never owned a more loving dog in my life. I think the animal abuse laws are to easy on the criminals. We need to protect or defenseless friends. I think the guy who mistreated the dog should be chained up by his neck and left just like he did that poor dog. They just give these people a slap on the wrist. There is really something wrong with them and they need more severe punishment. The funny thing is, I bet that beautiful dog would run up to its owner who neglected him like nothing was wrong. I hope they throw the book at him.
Posted by: DD on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:55 PM
What a beautiful dog!
Posted by: animal lover on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:33 PM
I do believe that we a humans need to be held responsible for these poor animals.They cannot talk and we cant ask what happened. i have seen many cases of neglect and im telling you its spiraling out of control. Some one (like the law) needs to pass bills protecting these animals and we as humans need to quit acting as if animals were possesions instead of loving and caring beings. Who by my opion are sometimes a hell of a lot smarter than thier owners
Posted by: Ticked off on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:22 PM
Seeing as my comments haven't been posted would someone PLEASE fill me in on HOW a dog from Lawrence County Ohio ended up being treated by a Winfield WV vet? Why wasn't it treated quicker in Ohio???????
Posted by: former Lawrence Co. resident on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Thank God for Dr. Mahnken! I have had my animals treated at Best Friends, and there isn't anyone any more passionate about caring for animals. TY Dr. Mahnken for doing what many other vets would NOT! I agree with a previous comment, the owner should be chained until a logging chain grows into their necks!!
Posted by: I love dogs 2 on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:08 PM
I heard on the other news channels that the deputy was Jason Newman. Deputy Newman did an outstanding job. Most of the deputies would have just left the dog until the following day or whenever the dog warden had time to deal with him. Then he would have not give medical aid to the animal. Great job Deputy Newman!!!!
Posted by: David on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Kudos for Deputy J. Newman--thnks for doing more than the dog warden---I thought that was his job. Deputy Newman beyond his call of duty to help save this beatiful animal.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Guess what folks, here is the low down of ohio laws, 2nd degree misdeamnor ( Animal Cruelty ) 750-1000 fine, maximum 90 days in jail. Basically a slap on the rest. Go figure.
Posted by: toney on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:44 PM
next time u report a story as gross as this please only tell the story and save the video until the 11pm news. u warned us that it was graphic but i did not have time too push my supper too the side before u showed it. i do not have a weak stomach but my wife does and it ruined her stomach and food for the evening. great job of reporting the abuse but bad timing on the video, right when people are setting down too their supper and the evening news cast. however please do followup on the story. i am not a winer just very sensitive of what is on tv at certain times. thank you for your time.
Posted by: Does not brake for cats or dogs on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Seriously people, it is a dog. Get over it. You people are crazy with your comments about the owner. It is a shame that the owner allowed it to happen, instead I Personally think the owner should have shot it and got it over with.
Posted by: anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 07:15 PM
I know the owner, he has neglected this dog over his drugs, to bad the sheriffs department didnt check the trailer, which is unfit to live in. If someone checked the trailer they would condemn that as well. Something should be done with him. They might find more in the trailer to prosecute him even worse.
Posted by: shannon on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:25 PM
I was there right after Dr.Mehnken had removed the chain.I had the chance to pet Hammer. This vet is the most caring individual and so incredibly passionate about each of the animals he sees. I simply cannot put into words how much he means to our family including the two furry ones. When I first saw Hammer,all I could do was cry and wonder why someone would do this. After calling on Monday and finding that he was recovering well, I was thankful and knew that Hammer had many angels watching over him. I agree with others. The laws are simply not stern enough for these monsters!! May we never stop fighting for the protection of all of God's creatures!
Posted by: bertha on Jul 30, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I hope they do more with this abuse cas then the Sheriff's Office did with the horses they took in 2007. When they found the women who owned those horses the officer didn't show up for court and the case was thrown out of court and nothing was done.
Posted by: Tori on Jul 30, 2008 at 03:01 PM
This makes me sick! I hope they find the owner and put him in jail for a long time beacuse i love doggys very much :). I hate it when people are mean to dogs.
Posted by: JL on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Please, please WSAZ follow up on this story and let your viewers know if the owner is located. In my opinion the happiest ending would be seeing the owner of this dog locked up for a very long time. That is not what will happen. Our animal cruelty laws need to be drastically changed. God bless the people that were brave enough to free the dog. God bless the vet also!
Posted by: Lester on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:11 PM
How did a dog from Proctorville Ohio end up at a vets office in Winfield anyway if the Lawrence County Ohio Sheriffs Dept. rescued it? Are there no vets offices in Proctorville?
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 02:08 PM
That is the crulest thing I have seen or heard about in a long time. The owner needs to be punished and not given a slap on the wrist and let go. He's a beautiful dog and I hope he goes to a good, loving home. He deserves the best.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:21 PM
i think they need to tie the owner to a tree and let him/her feel the pain this dog felt
Posted by: i love dogs on Jul 30, 2008 at 01:19 PM
these people need shot
Posted by: angela on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:54 PM
We have an 11 year old golden retriever,and he is like a child so trusting, and so loving of everyone, the person that treated Hammer that way had to be a monster
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 30, 2008 at 09:58 AM
For those of you who have posted, thank you. I was actually the one who found the dog and reported it. Although this did not lead to the problem being addressed by the humane society, it did allow me and my friends find the vet who would take care of him. And yes, the "owner" of the dog has a job, but simply hasn't been living in the trailer where the dog was chained. The Lawrence County Sheriff's department was supposed to issue a warrant for his arrest on Monday where he could face up to 6 months in jail, and fined accordingly. I, as well as everyone else who has posted, hopes he pays for this crime. More importantly, I hope the Lawrence County Animal Control will read this and see what a worthless job they are doing!
Posted by: Debbie on Jul 30, 2008 at 08:49 AM
ahhh, what a face, I'll never understand how people can be so cruel to other living creatures.
Posted by: They have feelings too! on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:39 AM
It is truly sad that people have no regard for ANY life anymore, human and animal alike. Anyone that could sit by and let any animal get in this kind of condition has no heart and should be punished. I am an animal lover and have two dogs of my own and it would kill my soul to know that either one of them had been suffering this way. My pets are like part of my family, the same way with most people I know who have pets. I wonder if this person has children, if so, I would just about bet they are neglected also. ALL life is precious, a gift from god, people seem to forget that. One way or another this will come back to haunt this person.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 11:13 PM
This story is so sad. I have a golden retriever and they are the prettiest and sweetest dogs. But this is a horrible thing for any kind of pet. If people don't want to take care of a animal they don't need to get them. i hope the owners gets what they deserve!
Posted by: Cherie on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Yep, the judge will prosecute the owner of this dog, which fortunately lived throught its abuse, but possibly the same judge let Dr. Merrifield, who helped kill Logan, go on home confinement. Where is this right? I love dogs, too, but a child is much more important.
Posted by: Pablo on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:34 PM
I hope the former owner comes down with a very painful form of cancer and dies slowly. He deserves it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:31 PM
i really hope they tell the names of when they find these people. because Us in proctorville need to know. Because that is just wrong. And i hope you get jail for it who ever you are. scum like you make this county look bad. go get a job. Oh wait maybe you will be in jail so you cant get a job. there goes your monthly check from down town ironton.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:25 PM
That is sad, people who dont take care of pets and have them are horrible. i really hate ppl that do this. i hope they did there job and put them behind bars. Trailer trash is all that is. There are a lot of nice ppl who live in trailers and there are a lot of nice trailers but ppl like that its a no brainer what they are
Posted by: Ty on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I would love to have Hammer be part of my family. I truly hope the 'previous owner' is prosecuted. Animal cruelty is the same as child abuse in my book.
Posted by: melody on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I would love to give him a good home. And I also agree with tess.
Posted by: lea on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:11 PM
I hate people who neglect animals i would love to have that dog.
Posted by: Shirley on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:09 PM
I say find the owner and do the same to them. People that abuse animals are no good to society. They are worthless human beings.
Posted by: Dog Owner on Jul 29, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Show the owner the kindness and love he didn't show his dog. Then, make it mandatory he work with the vet free for a minimum of 6 months 7days a week. Bless those that have came to the retreiver's rescue!!!
Posted by: dee on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:58 PM
This makes me so mad that people are so ignorant and treat animals this way that have no way to defend themselves. I sure hope the owner is caught and suffers for this cruel act. Ashame it got to this degree. Thumbs up to the vet.
Posted by: Angry in Nitro on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:58 PM
I wish the Humane Society and the Nitro Police Department was as concerned for animal safety as those in Proctorville. For over a week I have been calling the Humane Society to come pick up a dog with mange that is wondering the streets of Nitro. The dog's owner lives at 516 5th Street in a shanty. I'm told they can do nothing unless I see the dog between 12 and 4pm when the dog catcher is on duty. But in the mean time hope it doesn't get mean or touch anything you will come into contact with because mange is contagious. In the meantime I hope Hammer fully recovers.
Posted by: Someone on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Dear God!!! Why Why Why would someone do that. If they would do that to a family pet just think how their children are treated.
Posted by: RA on Jul 29, 2008 at 08:24 PM
One of the things to be recognized with this story is that when the Sheriff's office contacted the Dog Warden to come check Hammer, they would not come. They informed the Deputy that it would have to wait until Monday. Granted, Hammer had been like this for some time, but why did he have to be in this pain and agony any longer? If the Dog Warden had any heart, and cared about dogs, then he would have come when called on Friday. From what I understand, the dog warden of Ironton or Lawrence County will not assist with any animals in this condition. Now I question, if the dog warden had come when called, would Hammer received the medical treatment he needed? I think not. Lawrence County needs to revisit their way of dealing with issues like these that face them. If the Animal Control Units cannot handle the job in which they are paid for, they should hand it over to the Sheriff's office that showed THEY cared about Hammer. Thank you Dep. JB Newman and the others that helped me.
Posted by: Tess on Jul 29, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Please find the owner of this animal and chain him to a tree to where he/she can't get loose. And Please don't pay any attention to him/her for months at a time. I really hope this person is caught and made to pay for their crime.
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