Dog Found Abandoned And Covered In Bite Wounds After Escaping Crate On D.C. Street
A young dog named Gilly is lucky to be alive after being found abandoned and severely injured on the side of the road in Northeast Washington, D.C.
On Monday, the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) received a call about a frightened dog wandering along Jay Street. When rescuers arrived, what they saw broke their hearts.
“She had multiple bite wounds all over her body in a pattern consistent with organized animal fighting,” said Thomas Ingle, a humane officer with HRA.
Nearby, officers discovered a dog crate with a hole chewed through the side — clear evidence that Gilly had fought desperately to escape.
“It’s somewhat of a miracle story that she was able to break free on her own,” Ingle said. “If she hadn’t gotten out, it’s not clear anyone would have found her in time.”
When Gilly arrived at HRA’s medical center, her body temperature was dangerously low, and she had both fresh and older wounds, suggesting she’d suffered for weeks.
Veterinarians immediately began treatment, cleaning her injuries and giving her pain relief. Despite her trauma, Gilly quickly showed her gentle and trusting nature — leaning into her rescuers for comfort.
Now safe in HRA’s care, Gilly is slowly healing and rediscovering what kindness feels like.
The organization’s Humane Law Enforcement team has launched an investigation and is offering a reward for information leading to those responsible for Gilly’s abuse.
Anyone who saw something unusual around Jay Street NE before Monday is urged to contact HRA.
Gilly’s story is one of pain and survival — but also of hope. Against all odds, she broke free and found the humans who refused to give up on her.