SAN ANGELO, TX — "They're in the process of removing the tar and from what I understand is its going to have to be done in a couple of different phases while he's sedated," said Jenie Wilson, executive director of Concho Valley PAWS.
11-pound chihuahua terrier mix, Tarzan, was found Sunday with his face doused in tar along with 30 percent of his body covered in that same oily material.
"It’s very common that we find animals that are in need of emergency vet care the tar is something that I’ve only seen once or twice that I’ve been doing rescue," said Wilson.
But the tar on Tarzan doesn't seem to be a case of bad luck, but rather, cruel intention.
"The clinic has also said that they feel that the tar was actually something that was poured on the animal instead of an accidental splash or a spray from a machine," said Wilson.
According to the vet caring for Tarzan, he's being treated as a burn victim due to the tar that attached to his skin as well as his fur.
"The dog was found on Washington street near Santa Rita," she said. “We have no indication that this particular instance was a result of anything that was going on with the city crews this dog was actually found in an area where there is not currently road work."
But according to the public information officer for the City of san Angelo:
"We have been doing some sealcoating in the Washington street area," said Anthony Wilson, PIO.
And according to Wilson, this isn't a brand-new issue
"As happens when they engage in a sealcoating project they have stray animals that wander on to the hot tar which is very sticky and so when the workers notice this they do their best to free those animals," he said.
Wilson adds the problem doesn't stem from construction around the city.
"These animals would have never been injured in any way whatsoever had their owners secured them either in their yard or in their home as is required by city ordinance," said Wilson.
While stray animals stumbling into construction sites is common, there is no evidence that connects any city workers or contractors with this particular incident.
San Angelo dog found doused in hot tar, roaming Santa Rita area
The dog, who the doctors have named Tarzan, has now been hospitalized and is being treated as a burn victim due to the severity of his wounds. Our Brenda Matute has the latest from the animal rescue agency as well as the City of San Angelo.