Lowell Puppy Recovering After Being Thrown From Moving Vehicle
BOSTON (CBS) -- A 10-week-old puppy hurt after being thrown out of a moving vehicle in Lowell on Monday afternoon is recovering at the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Witnesses say a man driving the vehicle tossed Austin, a four-pound teacup Yorkshire Terrier, out of the driver's side window near the Tsongas Arena before speeding away, according to an ARL press statement.
A pair of drivers who had been driving behind the man immediately stopped, helped the puppy, and called police.
One of the good Samaritans rushed the dog to the Wignall Animal Hospital in Dracut.
"When he arrived at the animal hospital, sweet little Austin was clearly shaken up from the incident," said Darleen Wood, Lowell police's animal control compliance officer, in the statement.
"He had bleeding on the left side of his jaw and neck, and could not stop drooling and crying. He was clearly in a lot of pain."
Hospital staff treated Austin by giving him pain medication, as well as a full-body x-ray.
Austin was not seriously hurt, only suffering superficial wounds.
Police and the animal control division contacted ARL for help covering Austin's medical bill, caring for him, and assisting with the investigation.
ARL says it has cost more than $400 to take care of Austin.
The puppy arrived at the rescue league on Wednesday afternoon for an additional veterinary checkup before going home with a foster volunteer.
The ARL and police will be reviewing surveillance video captured near where the incident occurred.
It's unclear what type of vehicle the puppy was tossed from, and no description of the suspect has been given yet.
Anyone with information is asked to called the Animal Rescue League's law enforcement team at (617) 226-5610.
For more information on how to donate to help pay for Austin's medical expenses, visit the ARL website.