Dog News

Rescuers Save Four-Month-Old Puppies Dumped in Tar

by Katherine

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On June 18, 2015, Amparo, Ana Rama, and Tere Sanchez, three women who work in animal rescue in Cartagena, Spain, with El Portalico saved two four-month-old puppies who were dumped in a tar well. The mixed puppies were covered in oil, and thanks to the women’s non-stop efforts to save them, the dogs now named Chapa and Pote, are alive.

Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez
Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez

 

It was after 10 p.m. when Amparo’s cell phone rang. Silvestre Martínez was calling asking Amparo for help. While Martínez was out on a family walk with his son, wife, and a family friend, the animal lovers heard the frantic barks and cries of dogs. When they investigated they found three puppies trapped in a tar well.

Immediately, the good Samaritans jumped into action and pulled all three dogs from the well, but they needed experienced animal rescuers to help clean the dogs and take care of them.

Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez
Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez

 

The women met the dogs at a local animal clinic and started cleaning them. It took them hours to free them from the tar, and unfortunately one of the puppies did not survive.

All three dogs had ingested large amounts of tar and because the toxic substance had started to hardened, the pups had difficulty time opening their mouths. One of the puppies was weaker than his litter mates, he had problems breathing and struggled to stay alive. After consulting with the a veterinarian, it was determined there was nothing rescuers could do to save him. The damage was already done and the puppy had to be put to sleep.

This is what Chapa and Pote look like today. Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez
This is what Chapa and Pote look like today. Photo Credit: Tere Sanchez

 

After three hours of clean up, rescuers decided to let the dogs rest and continue their clean up effort the following morning. Chapa and Pote were so exhausted that once the bath sessions stopped, they simply fell asleep. The following morning, rescuers resumed cleaning the dogs until they had no more tar on their furs.

It is a miracle that Chapa and Pote are alive today. Rescuers want justice and want whoever dumped the dogs in the tar prosecuted. If the animal abuser is identified, he or she will face 18 months of incarceration for animal cruelty.