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Video of dog being abused went viral, then officers saved her. Now Daisy needs a home

Daisy is safe at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters.
Daisy is safe at the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania SPCA

After a horrific video of a man hitting a dog on a leash went viral, officers stepped in and managed to rescue the pup — with some help from the public.

The Pennsylvania SPCA announced that thanks to the action of their officers, Daisy, the pup identified in an Instagram video that went viral on July 29, was rescued the following day.

“On Monday afternoon a video was shared on various social media networks of an individual seemingly hitting a dog and picking it up by the skin of its hind end,” a news release said. “Through tips to the Pennsylvania SPCA’ Animal Cruelty Hotline an individual was quickly identified.”

While officers were able to track down the residence of the individual, there was no answer when they went to call upon them.

“Returning the very next morning, prepared to apply for a search warrant should there be no response, the PSPCA’s Officers came upon an individual walking a dog,” the release said. “Recognizing the dog immediately from the video, officers approached the individual.”

Custody of the dog was signed over to the Pennsylvania SPCA, according to the release.

Daisy in the van.
Daisy in the van. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania SPCA

Daisy is safe in the care of the SPCA at their Philadelphia headquarters and the investigation remains open.

The SPCA tells McClatchy News that Daisy will be available soon for adoption.

“We are grateful that Daisy is safe in our care today,” Julie Klim, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA, said in a release.

Daisy being evaluated.
Daisy being evaluated. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania SPCA

“Through the tireless work of our Animal Law Enforcement Officers and those who called in the tip, we were able to find this innocent dog and bring her to safety. This is the work that our officers do day in and day out, though it may not always receive the same notoriety and fanfare. They are heroes, and that was clearly evidenced through this case.”

For more information on the SPCA’s “lifesaving mission,” please visit their website.

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This story was originally published July 31, 2024 at 1:52 PM with the headline "Video of dog being abused went viral, then officers saved her. Now Daisy needs a home."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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