A dog discovered with severe injuries has been successfully rescued after being buried alive on a Hawaiian beach by her owner. According to The New York Post, the animal rescue organization PAWS of Hawaii reported that the owner was armed with a machete and may have intended to inflict further harm beyond burying the animal alive.
“Someone had just buried her, and they had a machete, so who knows what was next,” stated PAWS.
Following the rescue of the dog from West Oahu beach on July 9th, she was placed under the care of medical professionals by the organization. They named her Leialoha, which means “beloved child.” PAWS stated that their entire team quickly responded to retrieve her upon learning of her plight.
“The man who buried her, we were led to believe, had started to cut her,” explained PAWS executive director Ku’ulei Durand.
Leialoha was in a dire condition, with extensive swelling, sunburn, and 90% of her fur missing, according to PAWS. She was so badly injured that she bled from every part of her body during her initial bath after the rescue.
The animal group strongly believes that her owner intended to kill her due to her severe injuries.
“He felt he was ending her suffering by trying to end her life, instead of getting her the help she needed,” Durand remarked. “Her skin, if you were able to smell her, is rancid because she has so many open sores that are infected.”
The previous owner has yet to be identified, and legal repercussions are unlikely due to a lack of concrete evidence of mistreatment.
Durand praised Leialoha’s resilience, describing her as “a tough girl, so strong and amazing,” for fighting to survive.
Fortunately, Leialoha has found a new home with a foster mother named Amanda, who updated concerned onlookers via Facebook, assuring them that Leialoha would never endure such treatment again.
“My heart was broken, and I knew she needed us to foster her,” Amanda shared. “She has a long way to go, but the worst is over. Say aloha to Leia!”
Regarding the previous owner, there have been no reports of potential legal consequences, and the perpetrator remains unidentified. Enforcement of animal laws is challenging, as explained by Durand, who emphasized the importance of contacting local rescues or shelters to provide assistance.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the owner’s intentions, Leialoha has found solace in a new, loving home.
