Jackson was found in a small wire crate with a severe burn across his back, underweight, and heartworm positive. We got him out, got him care, and he is healing because supporters like you make rescues possible.

A local judge alerted us to a cruelty situation involving dogs left without basic care in rural Mississippi. Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager Sharon Stone and In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Director Doll Stanley arrived with a seizure order and law enforcement. On the property, officers found Jackson confined in a small wire crate with no shade and no protection from the weather. He had a severe wound across his back. Residents claimed a wild hog had injured him a week earlier. Based on our combined decades of rescue experience and the pattern of injury, we believe Jackson was deliberately burned with a scalding liquid.

Jackson was removed immediately and taken to a veterinarian for two days of intensive care. He then transferred to Hope Animal Sanctuary for ongoing treatment. On intake, Jackson was severely underweight, had a painful burn along his back, and tested positive for heartworms. His care includes daily hydrotherapy and sterile bandage changes to reduce infection and support tissue healing. He is receiving a 21-day course of antibiotics and steroids to stabilize him before heartworm treatment. He is also fed three to four small meals each day to refeed safely and restore his weight.

Jackson’s appetite returned quickly, his weight is improving, and his wound is closing with healthy tissue. He remains under close supervision as we continue his heartworm protocol. Staff report that he seeks affection and reassurance and has a gentle temperament despite what he endured.

Next steps include completing heartworm treatment, neutering, and preparing Jackson for adoption. Our team will place him with a loving guardian who will give him the safety and kindness he has never known.

Your support makes rescues like Jackson’s possible. If you are able, please donate to In Defense of Animals to fund veterinary care, treatment, and rehabilitation for survivors of cruelty. If a gift is not possible today, you can still help by signing and sharing our alerts, educating neighbors about proper care for animal companions, and reporting cruelty to local authorities. We are grateful for every action you take.