Puppy's Ears Cut; Animal Cruelty Charges Pending

A Havertown woman confessed to an act of animal cruelty following an investigation into who was responsible for cutting the ears of a pitbull puppy dubbed "Van Gogh," according to the Delaware County SPCA.

Kristina Murphy, 19, of Havertown, was identified by Delaware County SPCA Humane Investigators Bill Vernon and Ron Riggle as the person responsible for cutting the dog's ears.

A criminal complaint of animal cruelty will be filed against Murphy early next week through the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, according to Delco SPCA Director of Community Relations Justina Calgiano.

Murphy confessed to the act in a statement on Thursday afternoon. She originally claimed to have found the dog under the 69th Street Bridge in Upper Darby last Wednesday; she then transported the puppy to Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital in Morton for treatment at the advice of local animal activist Buzzy Miller, according to Calgiano.

"It was around 11:45 I pick up (the) puppy from (a) breeder. He had fleas and scabs on him. I took him home to clean off the scabs and fleas. I was cutting old scabs off when I cut his ear off. I panicked and cut the other one. I wrapped his head so the bleeding would stop. I said I found him so he could get medical care that I could not afford," Murphy said in a statement. 

On Friday morning, Delco SPCA Humane Investigators transported 10 pets from Murphy’s apartment and brought them to the care of the Delaware County SPCA, including two Chihuahuas, a German Shepherd Dog, a Beagle/Yorkie blend and a kitten. Additionally, Murphy relinquished ownership of various reptiles and exotic birds, according to Calgiano.

According to Kate Mackey, Operations Manager at Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital, they have two potential homes for Van Gogh after his ears fully heal and are not accepting any more applications.

"The puppy is doing really well,” Mackey said. She noted that he is receiving cold laser therapy on his ears to help with the pain and healing, and a surgery was performed last week to clean up his ears.

When Van Gogh first arrrived at Stoney Creek Veterinary Hospital he was crying in pain, anemic from the blood loss and would have died if he wasn't given treatment, according to the Delaware County Daily Times. 

After the other animals found at Murphy's home are rehabilitated and spay/neutered, they will be placed up for adoption. To donate to the care of the 10 animals now in the care of the Delco SPCA, visit http://delcospca.org/donations.

Read about how Van Gogh was found here on the Delaware County Daily Times.