North Fulton County

Dog in foster home, recovering from likely abuse

By Rikki Klaus
By Rikki Klaus

ROSWELL, Ga. — Animal officials believe a dog that is now in foster care was abused by someone using a paintball gun.

Matty Ice, named after Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Matt Ryan, had to have an eye removed because of his injuries.

Officials say Matty Ice is one tough dog, adding he's just as resilient as the football player.

When Channel 2’s Rikki Klaus met Matty Ice on Monday night in Roswell, the 2-year-old dog doled out hugs, high-fives and kisses.

"We're thrilled to have him," Veterinarian Marcus Smith, of Chattahoochee Animal Clinic, told Klaus.

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Smith is treating Matty Ice at the Roswell animal clinic.

"The eye was displaced. It was sort of just hanging, so some kind of major trauma had to occur," Smith said. "I wouldn't doubt there was some level of abuse that happened."

Last Thursday, Angels Among Us pet rescue volunteer Jennifer Naujokas picked up Matty Ice from Clayton County Animal Rescue.

A vet surgically removed his eye. Some of his fur was bright purple.

"He was picked up as a stray in Clayton County, and we suspect that he was probably shot in the eye with a paintball gun, but we don't know for sure," Naujokas said. "There was lots of bruising, swelling."

Julie Heinsman swooped in to foster Matty Ice.

"It is so rewarding to take a dog that's been abused and show it love and have it respond and find it a forever home. He's going to be a great dog for someone," Heinsman said.

The vet and the volunteer say animal abuse in Clayton County is a trend.

"It absolutely breaks my heart," Heinsman said.

Matty Ice needs to be neutered. Then he can be adopted.

Klaus spoke with Clayton County police Monday about the case. An investigator said they are looking into this case to see if there's animal cruelty involved.

Cox Media Group

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