GRAPHIC IMAGES: Dog found injured with trap on jaw on Peguis First Nation

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WINNIPEG — A stray dog is recovering after being found with a trap around its lower jaw for days on the Peguis First Nation.

The animal was found by a woman living on the First Nation. She reported it to rescue officials in early November.

But it wasn’t until nearly a week after first being reported that the dog, a black lab cross, was able to finally be saved.

It took a number of attempts because the animal was severely injured, scared and very hungry.

After being rescued on Nov. 12, it was taken to a veterinary clinic in Gimli where Dr. Torske initially treated him for his wounds. The trap was removed and the dog was transferred to D’Arcy’s A.R.C. for recovery and ongoing treatment.

“His bottom lips are hanging off his bottom jaws,” said D’Arcy’s A.R.C. founder D’Arcy Johnston. ” The jaw is in tact but all the skin on the jaw is sort of hanging there. It was infected or necrotic… it was dying.”

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Smash Mouth was found with a trap attached to his lower jaw on the Peguis First Nation.

The dog, who they estimate is about 2 to 3 years old is now named “Smash Mouth” by ARC employees. He received follow-up treatment at to Birchwood Vet Hospital on November 16. Dr. Jillian Preston removed necrotic tissue and assessed the wound for further trauma. His lower jaw is intact but he may need reconstructive surgery.

“He’s got some deep lacerations inside his mouth and all around his lower jaw and also some bruising in his eye,” said Preston.

While the dog is recovering at the animal shelter the road to recovery is going to be a long one.

“Therapy every day, flushing it with water to try and keep it clean and get it to heal,” said Preston. “Once that is done and he’s finished his antibiotics and pain medications we might do some revision surgery to close things up.”

Johnston said the dog is shy but in good spirits.

The trap was set on the First Nation, where Manitoba Conservation tells Global News Peguis is an open trapping area and set legally. However, only those who live on the First Nation are allowed to trap on that land.

“It’s just an unfortunate accident, the trap was likely set for martin and the season is open,” said Barry Verbiwski from Manitoba Conservation. “The dog smelled the bait and went for it and was unfortunately caught.”

The pet rescue is seeking donations to help with Smash Mouth’s care and critical care for other animals the clinic is treating.