Authorities are searching for a suspect after a young Schnauzer, discovered near death, was rescued from the streets of Lauderdale Lakes in a disturbing case of animal cruelty.
The dog, named Bibi, was found barely alive two weeks ago along Northwest 36th Street near 441 after a passerby reported what was thought to be a dead animal. Broward County Animal Care officers rushed to the scene and found Bibi severely emaciated and dehydrated, her bones visibly protruding from her skin.
Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves, said Bibi’s condition was nothing short of harrowing. “Bibi couldn’t even lift her head or stand up. She looked half dead,” Simmons recalled. “She had recent and old injuries, and we found a pellet lodged in her chest — she had been shot.”
Despite the extreme abuse, Bibi’s recovery over the past two weeks has been nothing short of remarkable. She has gained six pounds and is showing her playful, loving nature once again. “She’s a sweet dog, and we can’t understand how anyone could do this to such a wonderful creature,” Simmons added.
The Big Dog Ranch Rescue continues to care for Bibi, feeding her every few hours to help her regain strength. After a month of recovery, Bibi will be available for adoption, joining 600 other dogs also in need of loving homes.
In an effort to bring justice to Bibi, Simmons is urging anyone with information to come forward. A $10,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest in the case.
Simmons emphasized that the community must come together to ensure that those responsible for animal cruelty are held accountable. “This kind of abuse can’t continue,” she said. “Animal abusers need to face the consequences.”