Sadly, there are far too many people who shouldn’t be allowed to own or be near animals. They lack the compassion and respect that every creature deserves, and sometimes, their actions lead to tragic outcomes.

Some years ago, Hayden Howard, a dog owner from Indiana, made a disturbing discovery about her beloved pet. Her English Mastiff, Jackson, had been playing in their fenced backyard while she was indoors. But when she called him back inside, she noticed something wasn’t right. From a distance, it looked as if Jackson was covered in insect bites or bumps. But as Hayden looked closer, her heart sank at the grim reality of what had actually happened.

Jackson wasn’t covered in harmless bug bites—he was covered in tiny, painful bullet holes.

“I was completely shocked. I didn’t know what to think or how to process it,” Hayden told a local news outlet, WXIN.

Upon realizing the severity of Jackson’s injuries, she didn’t waste a moment. She rushed him straight to the veterinarian, hoping that the damage wasn’t as severe as it appeared. However, the vet’s examination brought forth a harsh reality. Tiny bullets from a BB gun peppered Jackson’s skin, embedding in various parts of his body.

“There was one lodged under his eyelid, another in his ear, and several in his knee,” Hayden explained. “They were everywhere.”

The vet had to shave almost all of Jackson’s fur just to get a clear look at the damage. By the end of the examination, he removed a staggering 27 plastic shells from Jackson’s skin, but heartbreakingly, 20 bullets were embedded too deeply to safely remove. The vet discovered a total of over 70 injuries—Jackson had been shot over 70 times.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” remarked Assistant Chief Craig Hayes of the Seymour Police Department. “It’s truly disturbing to witness an animal treated this way. It’s one of the worst cases of abuse I’ve encountered.”

It’s unimaginable to think someone could inflict so much harm on a defenseless animal, especially a dog that had never done anything to provoke such cruelty. The pain and terror Jackson endured are hard to comprehend, and the community was understandably shaken by the news.

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, suspecting the shots had come from a nearby yard. The police didn’t waste any time tracking down the suspect, and their efforts paid off when they discovered a BB gun and ammunition hidden in a neighbor’s home. During the search, the police also found illegal drugs, including methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia, reported by the Daily Mail.

The hope now is that the individual responsible will face a lengthy prison sentence for their actions. Animal cruelty is an inexcusable crime, and Jackson’s ordeal is a reminder of the importance of strict laws and consequences for those who harm innocent creatures. Many believe that anyone capable of such cruelty should never again be allowed to own or be near an animal.

Despite the trauma Jackson endured, Hayden reports that he is recovering well. While it may take time for his physical and emotional scars to heal, Jackson is already showing signs of resilience. His spirit, although shaken, hasn’t been broken, and with Hayden’s love and care, there’s hope he’ll eventually regain his sense of safety and happiness.

This tragic incident sheds light on the broader issue of BB and pellet guns, which are often mistakenly referred to as “toys” or “fake” guns in some media. However, as Jackson’s story clearly illustrates, these guns can inflict real harm. BB guns and pellet guns, though not as powerful as traditional firearms, still have the capacity to cause serious injury or even death. When used irresponsibly or maliciously, they become tools of violence, capable of delivering lasting damage.

For this reason, many animal advocates argue that crimes committed with BB or pellet guns should be taken just as seriously as those committed with other firearms. These guns aren’t “toys”—they’re weapons, and those who use them to harm others, especially defenseless animals, should be charged accordingly.

As for Jackson, the community hopes that he will continue to make a full recovery. Hayden remains optimistic and determined to provide him with all the love and support he needs. She wants nothing more than for Jackson to feel safe again and to enjoy carefree days playing in his backyard, free from harm.

This story is a stark reminder of the importance of speaking up for those who can’t protect themselves. If you witness an animal in distress or suspect abuse, please don’t hesitate to report it. No animal deserves to suffer, and together, we can help prevent cruelty by holding abusers accountable.

In the end, Jackson’s resilience and Hayden’s love serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human-animal bond. This heart-wrenching case is one of many that underscores the need for strong protections for animals, ensuring that they can live in peace and safety, just as they deserve.