A playful Bullmastiff mix named Cario is happy in her new temporary home at the Rochester Vet Clinic in New Hampshire. It’s hard to believe this is a dog allegedly abused by her previous owner with a stun gun.
“It’s difficult,” said Veterinarian Thomas Moon. “In 42 years, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a dog that got tased.”
Last week, neighbors called police, reporting that Cario’s owner, Gage White, zapped her with a stun gun, twice.
“Animals don’t deserve anything like that,” said Gage’s neighbor Christopher Lemieux.
“I was really saddened,” said another neighbor Valerie Noreau. “He said to me it was because the dog is full grown and harder for him to train the dog.”
Police responded and took Cario away from White. The 22-year-old was later charged with animal cruelty and simple assault for allegedly threatening his neighbors with the same stun gun.
Michael Weeden manages the trailer park where White was staying and says he’s filing a restraining order to keep White out of the park.
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“I don’t want that type of person in here,” Weeden said. “If he’s willing to do something like that to an innocent dog, then what else could he do if he was aggravated with someone else?”
Residents say Cario would cower when White was around, but now in the care of Dr. Moon, she’s quickly learning what it’s like to be treated right.
“She’s happy and healthy,” Dr. Moon said.
Cario will go to the Cocheco Valley Humane Society by the end of the week and will eventually be put up for adoption.
White was released of $1,500 bail and is scheduled for arraignment next month.
He didn’t respond to our requests for comment Wednesday.
