Local animal welfare groups and Boston authorities are asking for public help after a stray puppy found in Dorchester required emergency surgery and the amputation of one hind leg following a hit-and-run collision on 7 August. The dog, a five-month-old Siberian Husky now called Lark, was taken into the care of Boston Animal Control and later transferred to MSPCA-Angell for treatment.
Severe injuries and emergency treatment
Veterinary teams at MSPCA-Angell determined the animal had suffered a “severe degloving injury” to a back leg — a traumatic condition in which skin and tissue are forcibly separated from underlying structures. Given the extent of the damage, clinicians concluded that amputation was the only viable option to preserve the puppy’s wellbeing.
MSPCA-Angell confirmed the animal is now recuperating at its Boston Adoption Centre and that, at present, staff are focused on stabilising recovery and assessing potential future rehoming if an original owner does not come forward during the statutory stray hold period.
“We’re thankful she survived this injury and was brought into our care,” said MSPCA-Angell’s vice president of animal protection, Mike Keiley.
Appeal to owners and witnesses
Authorities have issued two separate requests: one to anyone who might recognise the puppy as their missing pet, and another to members of the public who have information about the driver who struck the dog and did not stop.
- Those who believe the puppy might be theirs are asked to contact the MSPCA-Angell Boston Adoption Centre at (617) 522-5055.
- Anyone with details about the collision or the driver is encouraged to call Boston Animal Control at (617) 635-5348.
What happens next
Under local regulations, a found animal is held for a set stray period to allow an owner to claim it. MSPCA-Angell has said that if no owner is identified after the required seven-day hold, the charity will begin preparing to find a new home for the puppy once she is medically cleared.
MSPCA-Angell also highlighted the role of its veterinary network and community clinics in delivering advanced diagnostics and care that made the difficult decision to amputate possible. The charity asked the public to monitor its website and social channels for updates about the dog’s condition and potential adoption information.
Local context and consequences
Hit-and-run incidents involving animals have both welfare and legal consequences. For animal welfare groups, cases like this require emergency medical resources and can strain capacity at rescue centres. For communities, such events underline the importance of responsible driving and acting to report collisions where animals are injured.
For the puppy herself, successful recovery depends on continued veterinary follow-up and rehabilitation. For a region with active pet ownership and many dog lovers, the appeal is likely to generate inquiries — either from an owner hoping to be reunited or from potential adopters ready to give a rescued animal a permanent home.
Quick reference
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident date | 7 August |
| Dog | ‘Lark’, ~5 months, Siberian Husky |
| Injury | Severe degloving injury; hind leg amputated |
| Contacts | MSPCA-Angell Boston Adoption Centre: (617) 522-5055; Boston Animal Control: (617) 635-5348 |
If you were in Dorchester on 7 August and saw anything that might help identify the driver or the circumstances, or if you think you may be Lark’s owner, please contact the numbers above. The case is also a reminder to report collisions involving animals so that injured creatures can receive timely care.
As veterinary teams continue to support Lark’s recovery, local animal lovers and prospective owners will be watching for updates on her progress and any opportunities to offer a new home once she is fit to be rehomed.
