The bond between pets and their owners is deeply special, which makes stories of animal cruelty all the more shocking. Unfortunately, some individuals fail to show the compassion and care animals deserve.
This devastating truth came to light a few years ago for Hayden Howard and her beloved dog, Jackson, an English Mastiff. One day, Hayden noticed Jackson wasn’t feeling well after playing in the backyard. Initially, she thought he was covered in bug bites—but upon closer inspection, the reality was far worse.
A Shocking Discovery
Jackson had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
“I was completely shocked. I didn’t know what to think,” Hayden told WXIN.
Hayden immediately took Jackson to the veterinarian, where it was revealed that he had been shot with a BB gun. X-rays showed small bullets scattered throughout his body.
“There was one stuck under his eyelid, one in his ear, one in his knee—they were everywhere,” Hayden recalled.
To treat Jackson, the veterinarian had to shave most of his fur and surgically remove 27 pellets. Tragically, 20 rounds had to be left in place as removing them posed additional risks. Overall, Jackson endured nearly 70 gunshot wounds.
A Crime Against Innocence
Assistant Chief Craig Hayes of the Seymour Police Department stated, “I have never seen an animal shot that many times. It’s a very bad case, and it’s sad to see.”
Law enforcement swiftly pursued the suspected perpetrator, uncovering evidence in a neighboring residence, including a BB gun, ammunition, and additional illegal substances. This led to the arrest of the suspect, whose actions horrified the community.
Hope for Justice and Healing
It’s unfathomable that someone could commit such a terrible act against an innocent animal. Animal lovers everywhere hope the perpetrator faces full legal accountability and is never allowed near animals again.
Despite the trauma, Jackson is showing incredible resilience and continues to recover under Hayden’s care.
Raising Awareness About Pellet and BB Guns
Although often labeled as “toys,” pellet and BB guns are capable of causing severe injury or death. When used to harm others, they should be treated as real weapons in the eyes of the law.
Animal cruelty is a serious crime, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of holding offenders accountable. Let’s work together to create a world where no animal has to suffer such cruelty.
We wish Jackson a full recovery and hope he enjoys many joyful days playing safely in his backyard once again.