Dogs brought to Clayton Co. shelter with severe burns - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

An animal group in Clayton County says that it has noticed more dogs coming into the animal control shelter with severe burns.

Ally, a Boston terrier puppy, was brought to the Clayton County Animal Shelter with a severe burn on her back.

"The way the shape of it was, it looked like someone put an iron on that puppy," said Maria Dorough of Partners for Pets.

Shelter workers and Partners for Pets say numerous pets have required life-saving medical treatment.

"It's just tragic.  It is something that is purposefully done.  It wasn't an accident.  You have to wonder if it is gang related, or -- we just don't know," said Amy Adams of Partners for Pets.
    
There have been similar reports around the country with suspicions of gang activity.

Another dog, Ink, was treated for more than 20 cigarette burns to its back.

Partners for Pets, which rescues dogs from the shelter for adoption, says these cases are not isolated.

"We saw a German Shepherd that had some burns and we've seen a couple of other dogs and that's just something that we weren't seeing until a couple of months ago," said Dorough.

Animal control officers in Clayton County are investigating to see what's behind all the burned dogs.

Police in Union City are investigating a severe burned cat found there.  They also are investigating the possibility of gang activity associated with that animal abuse.  A $2,500 reward is being offered in that case.

Partners for Pets says if you see animal abuse, or even suspect it, to call authorities immediately.