Severely burned puppy, Nero, recovering at Calgary shelter

A Calgary animal rescue organization is treating a badly burned puppy that was found Friday at a Saskatchewan work camp. 

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) says seven-week-old Nero was brought in for emergency surgery Friday night. Staff say it appears something flammable was poured on the puppy's face and then lit on fire.

"I've been doing this for a long time and seen a lot of things," said Deanna Thompson, executive director at AARCS. "This one is extremely tough. I can't imagine the pain this little puppy is going through and no living thing deserves this."

Thompson says Nero has lost both his ears. Staff are now worried about possible long-term damage to his eyes.

Nero is also being treated with antibiotics to prevent infection.

The Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has been contacted to investigate the matter.

AARCS says the people who found Nero and contacted shelter staff are assisting with efforts to find those responsible.