ST. CHARLES, Ill., Aug. 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Emergency Veterinary Services of St. Charles (EVS) is teaming up with local law enforcement to crack down on animal abuse and protect pet welfare. EVS works with the local police and fire departments to treat pets for smoke inhalation, gunshot wounds, vehicular trauma and fight wounds. Recently, EVS partnered with the Glendale Heights Police Department to assist in the investigation of a domestic violence dispute that resulted in an animal's death. EVS provided the initial documentation of the pet's death, radiographic evidence of severe trauma, and evidence of previous abuse. EVS is continuing to cooperate in the prosecution of the abuser.
According to an initial investigation, the boyfriend of the Chihuahua's owner is accused of beating the pet to death when his girlfriend failed to arrive home at the boyfriend's requested time. The emergency pet hospital provided the initial documentation of the dog's death. Radiographic evidence gathered by the hospital indicated the dog had sustained severe trauma from multiple beatings. Evidence of healing fractures indicated that the Chihuahua had suffered repeated abuse.
"The Chihuahua's death is a tragic example of animal abuse right here in our own community," said Dr. Lynette D. Greenwood, DVM. "Our pet hospital is continuing to cooperate with the detectives, officers, and the Illinois State's Attorney's Office in the ongoing prosecution of the abuser."
Dr. Greenwood is also raising awareness about the dangers of animal abuse as a precursor to sexual abuse and domestic violence.
"A violent, controlling person who abuses animals may branch out and harm humans, especially women and children," said Dr. Greenwood. "If an individual is violent towards animals, early intervention can prevent continued animal abuse and potential domestic violence."
The emergency vet hospital also works closely with local police and fire departments to treat pets in need of urgent medical care. This includes pets that have suffered smoke inhalation, sustained a bullet wound or suffered vehicular trauma.
"We are proud to work closely with first responders to provide urgent medical care to pets in need," said Dr. Greenwood. "First responders understand that in an emergency, every minute counts. They choose our hospital because we are passionate about providing life-saving care."
The pet hospital is a full-service animal ER that regularly treats over 3,000 animals each year. The hospital uses state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, including digital X-rays and ultrasound, in-house blood chemistry analysis, IV warmers, and transfusion kits.
Pet owners may learn more about Batavia, Aurora and Elgin emergency vet care at http://emergencyvetservices.com/.
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