Hayden Howard’s life took a devastating turn when her English Mastiff, Jackson, fell ill after playing in their backyard. Initially, Hayden thought Jackson was covered in bug bites, but a closer look revealed a horrifying truth – Jackson had been shot multiple times.
Rushing Jackson to the veterinarian, Hayden was met with a shocking diagnosis. The vet found numerous small bullets embedded in Jackson’s body, fired from a BB gun. The extent of Jackson’s injuries was staggering – 27 bullets were removed, while 20 more had to be left in place. In total, Jackson had sustained nearly 70 gunshot wounds.
Assistant Chief Craig Hayes of the Seymour Police Department expressed his outrage, stating, “I have never seen an animal shot that many times. It’s a very bad case, and it’s sad to see.” The police launched an investigation, tracing the evidence to a nearby residence.
The suspect’s home yielded a BB gun, pellets, a rifle, ammunition, and illicit substances, including methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The perpetrator’s cruel act had left Jackson fighting for his life, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
Hayden’s hope is that the person responsible will face severe consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence, and be banned from ever owning an animal again. Jackson’s remarkable resilience has seen him recover well from his ordeal, a testament to the strength and spirit of animals in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by BB and pellet guns, often mislabeled as “toys” or “fake” weapons. These weapons have the potential to cause serious harm, and those who use them against innocent beings must face the full force of the law.
As Jackson continues his journey to recovery, Hayden’s wish is for her beloved pet to return to his happy, carefree life, playing in the backyard without fear.
