After a brutal attack on an eight-year-old German shepherd last week, found on the streets of Bucharest with her leg hacked off, her teeth pulled out and her tail snapped off, is now on the mend announced the International Aid of the Protection and Welfare of Animals (IAPWA). The dog, named Spirit, who had been left for dead, had also been sexually abused; the knife used was left at her side, and it is suspected the egregious cruelty had been done by the “Bucharest Butcher” who still roams free.

Spirit was found by animal advocate Anneka Svenska who heard the dog softly whimpering in the snow.

“To have that in front of you was harrowing. We were all in shock. I couldn’t believe someone could do that, especially the way she had been sexually violated,” stated Anneka. “She was shaking. There were tears running down her face. The vet said they see this kind of thing all the time; it’s not a one off. They get horrific victims of abuse, and they can’t do anything about it.”

According to MetroNews, Anneka regularly feeds the strays in her neighborhood. She fears the attack on Spirit was personal, and who thinks the dog was abandoned in plain sight on purpose, with the intention of the crime being made public to serve as a message not to feed stray dogs. Spirit underwent emergency surgery at the rescue center of the Dog Rescue Romania and will be traveling to her new life in Britain as soon as she is able. Veterinarians, staff and animal advocates are amazed how trusting towards humans Spirit remains. An investigation remains active; it is hoped the responsible culprit(s) can be apprehended and brought to justice.

The charity “The Faith Project” emerged last year dedicated to saving dogs all over Romania. The project offers neutering and education across the country. Just a few days before Spirit was rescued, advocates made the grisly discovery of three puppies brutally killed on the same street. It is estimated there are more than 60,000 abandoned dogs in Bucharest. Donations to help these dogs can be made to the International Aid for the Protection and Welfare of Animals. 

(Photos and video of German shepherd with her leg hacked off and accompanying info courtesy of Tom Ross and the IAPWA.)

Check out the video of Spirit’s recovery. There is a great reason she was named Spirit!