Stray Golden Retriever Suffers Third Degree Chemical Burns After Intentional Attack

WEST LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County animal authorities and rescuers sought the public's help Wednesday to locate those responsible for intentionally using acid to burn a stray Golden Retriever.

According to the Southern California Golden Retriever rescue group, a 1-year-old dog named Fergus sustained third degree burns after chemicals, lighter fluid or gasoline was poured down his entire back.

"When you think you've seen it all, you are always proven wrong," members of the rescue group said. "The inhumanity of human's is unbearable at times."

L.A. County Animal authorities said they believe someone intentionally harmed the dog a few days ago, and could be abusing other animals as three other dogs have been brought to the shelter with similar burns since Aug. 10.

No report has been filed with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department as there is little information to go on since the dogs were strays.

WARNING: Video Contains Disturbing Images 

On Aug. 11, a good Samaritan found Fergus wandering the streets around a Wal-Mart store in Lancaster and brought him to an animal shelter.

Days later, he was released to the rescue group and was then brought to the Animal Medical Center in West Los Angeles.

According to Dr. Alan Schulman, the burns were so severe that the nerves along his back were killed. As a result, he is not suffering much pain.

"Unfortunately, this not being my first rodeo with dogs that are like this," Schulman said. "It's terrible to say, but without a doubt, you're looking at some sort of a malicious injury that has been induced by some type of chemical burn."

In fact, Fergus has responded very well to antibiotic treatment and medications.

The burns are being covered with special cloths and ointments while his vet works to save him from infection.

"You can see it started on the head and thank God he did not get his eyes burned, he didn't get his face burned," added Schulman. "It could have been a lot worse."

Meanwhile, an animal clinic in Pasadena has offered their Hyperbaric Chamber to help in Fergus's healing.

While he is going to need a lot of time to heal from his injuries, Fergus will go into a foster home once he is well enough to be released from the veterinarian's care.

He will be available for adoption in two months.

According to the rescue group, tons of requests have already poured in from people to adopt Fergus. Applications are available on their website.

In just three days, more than $10,000 has been raised through the rescue group's GoFundMe page for Fergus.

To help pay for his medical bills, click here.