Dog with two broken legs turned into Animal Care and Control

FORT WAYNE, Ind (WANE) - Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control has launched an investigation into how a dog's front legs were broken.

The one-year-old male Yorkshire Terrier mix was turned over to authorities on January 4.  A good Samaritan found the dog and took it to Northeast Indiana Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital (NIVES) where a veterinarian diagnosed the dog's injuries.

Officials said the injuries did not appear to be consistent with being hit by a vehicle as the animal had no abrasions or scrapes.  The bones in both legs were both cleanly broken.

Investigators have tried to determine whether the dog was injured accidentally or in a more malicious act.

"This very well could have been an accident," Laura Rowe, animal care supervisor for FWACC said. "Somebody could have accidentally stepped on the dog but we don't know so, we're definitely looking for any leads."

FWACC posted a  YouTube Video (embedded below) on its website introducing the unnamed dog to the community.

The agency has relied on donations to care for the dog through its Angel Fund . 

Surgery was required on January 15 to place plates and screws in both legs.  FWACC has sought continued donations for the dog's continued care during recovery. 

The dog was scheduled to be placed in a foster home on Wednesday in which he'd spend the next several weeks rehabilitating.  Once he is cleared by a veterinarian, a lottery will take place for the dog's adoption.  FWACC was not immediately accepting applications since the investigation into the dog's injuries was ongoing.

The Yorkie mix has been able to put weight on front legs and has been energetic in the week since surgery.

"This could have been an accident; this could have been malicious, we just don't know.  We do know that he is a cute, little, fun, crazy dog that needs some assistance and some help and we decided to provide that for him," Rowe said.

Anyone with information on how this dog may have been injured can call FWACC at 260-427-1244.

Watch FWACC's video: