The Flathead County Sheriff's Office has released updated information regarding the condition of a stranded dog rescued off an island on the Flathead River near Hungry Horse over Thanksgiving weekend.
After our original story aired December 11, Flathead County Animal Control opened an animal cruelty case Dec. 13. The Sheriff’s Office reports the rescued dog, Valor, received x-rays at the Flathead Pet Emergency Clinic. The results showed that Valor was not shot in the head.
Previous social media reports had suggested Valor was shot twice in the head and thrown over the Hungry Horse Bridge. The Sheriff’s Office reports there were no fractures, holes or bullet fragments in the dog’s head consistent with a gunshot wound.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino says the dog’s wounds are likely from another animal such as a coyote or dog.
“Our animal control officer started to investigate, made contact with the professional veterinarians in our community ones that evaluated the dog, and it was determined that the dog was not shot, injuries weren’t consistent with the stories that were on Facebook and in fact, it was probably most likely involved with an animal on animal fight,” said Heino.
Valor was treated at the Animal Clinic of Kalispell where his medical bills were paid through private donations. Sheriff Heino says the case is still active and under investigation.
