By Robert Jordan
The Daily Record of Dunn
DUNN – Dunn’s Animal Control Shelter is seeking donations from the public to help two dogs seized in an animal cruelty case get the surgery they need.
The canines, Contra and Duke, are both American Bully breed and were seized from a home on West Cole Street after a vigilant neighbor showed police a video of their owner kicking and stomping on Contra’s head Feb. 29.
“Contra is a blue and white female and is … having respiratory difficulties due to restricted breathing passages which can be properly repaired with surgery,” said Dunn Animal Control Director Courtney Hayter.
Contra can only spend 5-10 minutes outdoors due to her restricted nasal passages. Once she recovers from her surgery set for the last week in July, Contra will be eligible for adoption.
“Duke, a fawn tri-color male, is experiencing problems with passing out when he gets too hot or too excited, because he is not getting enough oxygen,” said Hayter. “Duke has experienced two seizures as a result of his condition and is currently being fostered to closely monitor his health. He cannot be outside for any longer than 5 to 10 minutes due to his medical situation.”
Duke’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23 and will be performed by Dr. Brittany McLamb at Dunn Animal Hospital.
“The focus of the surgery is to provide both animals with a better quality of life,” Hayter said.
Estimated surgical costs for the dogs is between $3,000 to $4,000. Anyone wishing to donate to the animal shelter donation account may call Dunn Animal Hospital at 910-892-6650 to make a contribution.
Duke and Contra were two of six American Bully dogs seized from the home of 27-year-old Enoch Jace-Nathaniel Broadnax at 1006 W. Cole St. Broadnax was charged with three counts of animal cruelty. He pleaded guilty to one of the counts in Harnett County Superior Court in a plea deal that dropped the other charges on June 27.
Judge Paul A. Holcombe III sentenced Broadnax to serve two years of supervised probation, perform 72 hours of community service and pay restitution of $6,322.76. Broadnax was ordered to obtain a mental health assessment and follow any recommended counseling or treatment. He was also ordered not to own, possess or care for a dog or cat during his period of conditional discharge under the probation.
