Owner Of Dog Rescued After Being Hit On Hwy 101 Could Be Charged

PETALUMA (CBS SF) -- Authorities on Thursday announced they have found the owner of an injured pit bull mix who Petaluma police initially thought might have been thrown from a vehicle on Highway 101.

Witnesses said they saw the dog getting hit by a semi-truck on 101 earlier this week. A couple of passersby found the emaciated female pit bull mix in the bushes on the side of the road Tuesday afternoon.

Her caretakers at Petaluma Animal Services have dubbed her Martha. They described her as their "sweet freeway girl" because of her friendly demeanor.

The dog suffered a broken leg, a broken pelvis and one of her canine teeth was fractured. She was additionally very underweight and undernourished

Representatives with the Petaluma Animal Shelter told KPIX 5 that criminal charges may be brought against the owner, pending the outcome of the investigation.

While not complete, the Petaluma Animal Shelter said the investigation indicated Martha may have left her yard two or three days ago rather than being thrown from a car on 101. Martha is now the property of PASF and will not return to the owner's home.

Given the nature of her injuries, Martha will be kept in foster care and recover before the shelter gets to work finding her a responsible home.

Meanwhile, Petaluma Animal Services had a second dog on Thursday being treated for injuries. A male lab mix was on the mend after he was hit by a car Thursday morning on Petaluma Boulevard.

A passer-by found the dog hiding behind a PG&E gas line by a Denny's restaurant. Rescue crews were able to coax him out and saw the dog had injuries all along his back legs.

Despite the accident, vets at the shelter said he was in good spirits. They're hoping someone will recognize the dog and notify his owners. Anyone who has any information on the dog is asked to call the shelter at 707-778-7387.