Ep 13. Another Chance
- November 2, 2007
During season 6 episode 13 of Animal Precinct titled "Another Chance," viewers follow the Animal Cruelty Investigation Squad (ACIS) of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as they work tirelessly to save and rehabilitate neglected animals in the city of New York.
The episode opens with Senior Manager of Field Investigations, Annemarie Lucas, and her team responding to a complaint about a dog that has been abandoned in a filthy backyard. The dog is tied to a fence with a short chain, which prevents him from moving more than a few feet in any direction. The team arrives to find a horrific scene of animal abuse and neglect. The dog is severely emaciated, covered in dirt and debris, and appears to have not eaten in weeks.
Lucas and her team work to gain the trust of the dog, who is cautious of humans and defensive due to neglect. The team also interviews the neighbors in the area, who provide information about the owners of the property. They confirm that the dog has been tied up for days, with no food or water, and that the property owners have a history of neglecting their animals.
As Lucas and her team investigate further, they discover two more dogs in a similarly deplorable state. One dog is malnourished with matted fur, while the other is chained to a pole with no access to food or water in sight.
The ACIS team quickly moves to rescue all three dogs and rush them to the ASPCA Animal Hospital for immediate medical attention. The dogs are in critical condition, and the veterinarians face a challenging task of trying to nurse them back to health.
Throughout the episode, viewers follow the progress of the dogs as they undergo intense medical treatment and rehabilitation. The show provides an intimate look at the incredible work of the ASPCA team as they nurse the dogs back to health.
Throughout the rehabilitation process, the dogs respond well to the attention and care provided by the veterinarians and care staff. They begin to gain weight, their coats become shinier, and they show signs of returning to their playful selves. One of the dogs, a Pitbull named Rocky, is particularly friendly and affectionate towards the staff and volunteers, making him a prime candidate for adoption.
As the rehabilitation process nears completion, the ACIS team faces a critical decision. They must determine whether to return the dogs to their owners or permanently remove them. The team consults with the ASPCA Legal Department and the office of the District Attorney to ensure the best possible outcome for the animals.
Ultimately, the ASPCA team decides to remove the dogs from their previous owners and place them in foster or permanent homes. Rocky finds a loving home in a family that provides him with the attention and care he deserves.
The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the animals posing for a happy family photo with their new owners. It's a touching reminder of the vital work being done by the ASPCA and their team of dedicated professionals to fight animal abuse and neglect in the city of New York.