Dog nicknamed ‘Ally Gator’
Nicknamed “Ally Gator,” a pit bull tossed off the elevated portion of Interstate 310 southbound Tuesday (Sept. 29) is also recovering at the St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter from an apparent alligator bite.
“It will absolutely not be given back to the owner until a full investigation has been had,” Angie Robert, St. Charles parish’s animal control supervisor, said Friday (Oct. 2) of rumors that the dog had been returned to the owner. “If there is an owner, I’ve got questions. Until we get the facts, the dog isn’t going anywhere.”
Ally Gator was rescued after witnesses notified local authorities that a dog had been tossed out of a vehicle over the guard rail on the highway and into the swamp around 7 p.m. Tuesday. Robert, who assisted the rescue, said the animal was thrown about 30 feet in the air over the guard rail, where she struggled in the water for about an hour until the St. Rose Fire Department recovered her from a patch of grass or land.
“It’s in the top five cases I’ve worked and I’ve been in the rescue business 15 to 20 years now,” she said. “I didn’t believe the call when it came.”
Robert praised local authorities’ efforts that saved the animal.St. Rose Fire Department, the St. Charles Parish Animal Control and St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office all assisted in locating and saving the dog, which weighs 75 pounds.
“She knew she was being rescued and she embraced it,” Robert said. “She is the sweetest thing.”
On arrival, officers observed a female pit bull alive on a small piece of land in the swamp below the interstate. They rescued the dog within 45 minutes (see rescue video below).
Believed to be five to seven years old, “the dog appears to be in good health except for some skin issues,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Robert said Ally Gator is being treated for two puncture wounds, which veterinarian Jena Troxler told her are consistent with markings in a recent case she handled that involved an alligator bite. Also, in light of what may have caused these wounds, Robert said it seemed ironic the dog was recovered with a Florida Gator leash wrapped around its neck.
The pit bull is also being treated for a serious skin condition, which they believe existed prior to the incident.
The dog will remain at the parish Animal Shelter at least until Oct. 6. If not claimed by her owner, she will be eligible for adoption.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in identifying whoever who threw the dog over the guard rail and into the swamp.
The aggravated animal cruelty case is under investigation.Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (985) 783-6807.
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