Dumped Dog Shot Through The Head with 20-Inch Crossbow Bolt: Miraculously He Survives


A dog named Ziggy is being hailed as something of a wonder animal after he was shot through the head with a 20-inch crossbow bolt but somehow miraculously survived to bark another day.

The Daily Mail reports that two-year-old Staffie was found dumped in a patch of remote woodlands near Wansford, Peterborough in the UK with a crossbow bolt protruding from either side of his skull.

Fortunately for Ziggy, the bolt had missed his brain by just a few millimeters. When Ziggy was discovered by passers-by, it was thought the bolt may have been buried in his head for at least two days.

Ziggy was rushed straight to the vets who operated immediately. Despite the sickening attack, the sweet-natured animal showed no signs of aggression or suspicion by mistrusting the veterinary staff at Vets4Pets, but wagged his tail and was very affectionate towards them instead.

The RSPCA have now released shocking images from the attack, which is thought to have taken place earlier this week.
Dog Shot With Crossbow Bolt
The Western Daily Press reports that the vets were able to identify Ziggy from a microchip that reveals only his name but no other details. The friendly Staffie is now recovering from his terrible ordeal, and the RSPCA are asking for any witnesses to the attack to please come forward.

RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs remains appalled by the attack and explained how heartbroken he felt when thinking about the terror and agony Ziggy must have suffered.

“Despite this bolt going straight through Ziggy’s head it miraculously missed his brain, ear capsule and eyes – I could not quite believe it. Whoever did this took a very intentional shot at very close range.”

“I think they must have been aiming at the back of the head and Ziggy must have moved at just the right distance right at the last minute.”

“I don’t know whether they then took him deep into the wood and dumped him, or had already taken him into the wood and so just left him there, injured. What we are quite sure about is that poor Ziggy was probably roaming about in the middle of nowhere for a couple of days with this bolt stuck in his head.”

“He would have been terrified, and in complete agony. It really broke my heart this one. What really got me was the way Ziggy sat there, with that bolt through his head, wagging his tail at me in such a good natured way – asking for a bit of a fuss.”

Having already shown true grit and an outstanding strength of character, Ziggy is still not completely out of the woods. Inspector Stubbs explained that the Staffie must now draw on all his remaining resources to fight the very real threat of infection as he faces a make-or-break few days.

“He has made the most miraculous recovery and is extremely happy despite his ordeal.With these kind of nasty wounds infection can be very dangerous and the next couple of days will be key to seeing how he recovers.”

The RSPCA is now trying to trace Ziggy’s owners and any witnesses to the incident to find out exactly what happened. Anyone with information should call 0300 123 8018.

(Images From The RSPCA, Via The Daily Mail)

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