A 14-year-old dog was left for dead after a callous driver ran him over – and then backed up to hit him again.
Buster underwent emergency surgery after being hit by a 4WD in Perth at around 8.30am on Tuesday, but may still lose a paw.
He had been out for a walk with his carer in Carlisle when he slipped out of his leash, ran out into the road and got hit by the vehicle.
Buster, a 14-year-old dog, was left for dead after a callous driver ran him over – and then backed up to hit him again
He is cared for by Dogs Behind Bars Rescue, since he can’t be rehomed due to his age.
‘Buster’s foster carer was in shock and unable to get the car’s number plate before it fled the scene,’ the group wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise funds to pay Buster’s vet bills.
‘We are getting X-Rays done to get a full idea of the damage that may have occurred from Buster being run over, not once, but twice.
‘It appears that Buster’s bones have not been irreparably injured, but he will have a long road of physiotherapy and recovery ahead of him to gain back full motion of his hind legs.
Buster underwent emergency surgery after being hit by a 4WD, but may still lose a paw
‘As he is an older boy, his recovery will need to be managed carefully.’
It adds: ‘While he is an older boy, he is full of energy and a love of life that wins the hearts of every person he meets.
‘Some dogs would adapt to having less mobility, but to lose the ability to run and play would severely impact Buster’s quality of life.’
Dogs Behind Bars co-founder Claire Bingham said it was concerning that the driver not only failed to stop, but backed up the ute to hit Buster a second time.
Dogs Behind Bars co-founder Claire Bingham (pictured) said Buster’s vet bills could cost more than $3,000
Buster is cared for by Dogs Behind Bars Rescue, since Buster can’t be rehomed due to his age
‘The worrying thing is that they actually left the scene when really they should have helped,’ she told 7News.
Ms Bingham said they estimate it will cost between $2,000 to $3,000 but could be more.
‘They said he may need a metal plate inserted into his leg, but until we understand the extent of his injuries, we’re not going to know.’