Abused Pit Bull Puppy, Miss Harper, Reunites With Mom On L.I.
HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- An abused pit bull puppy was reunited with its mother Thursday on Long Island.
Miss Harper was found last September with her ears and leg cut off.
Her mother, Missy, was rescued Wednesday by the Nassau County SPCA. Officials said she was being used to breed puppies that were then brutally abused.
Abused Pit Bull Puppy, Miss Harper, Reunites With Mom On L.I.
Although Missy was not physically abused, she has a number of infections, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
"Her ears are infected and she has mastitis, which is an infection of her breast tissue," said Donna Kramer of My Pets Vet Animal Hospital. "We're thinking that she's been bred quite a bit."
The dogs were reunited at the Huntington animal hospital, which has been caring for Miss Harper since she was found.
Kramer said they will be reintroduced slowly.
"It's a little tentative right now, they haven't seen each other in months," Karmer said. "We're taking it very slowly and cautiously."
Three people were arrested in February and charged with animal cruelty, practicing veterinary medicine without a license and conspiracy in connection with Miss Harper's case.
Lee Hughes, 39, and Shawanna Hughes, 37, are accused of using a friend, who is a veterinary technician, to cut off the puppy's ears, likely with scissors, officials said.
The complaint against the suspects said they then put rubber bands and socks on Miss Harper's hind legs to prevent her from scratching. That caused the blood to not properly circulate to her legs.
The couple is accused of illegally paying the vet tech hundreds of dollars to amputate one of the pooch's legs, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.
Shawanna and Lee Hughes also have a case pending against them for allegedly putting bleach on a puppy last March.
Miss Harper had a number of infections when she was brought to the animal hospital. Doctors and staff said Miss Harper is loving and playful. She is expected to be fitted with a prosthetic leg in the next week or so.
Both Miss Harper and Missy will be up for adoption in the near future.
Thousands of people have already filled out applications to adopt Miss Harper. The SPCA received applications from as far away as Australia.
Those interested in adopting, please email adopt@ncspca.us.
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