EDMONTON – A four-year-old pit bull named Mercey was badly wounded Tuesday while trying to protect her Edmonton owner during an assault.

It happened after four males allegedly pushed their way into the home of a female acquaintance living at 117 Avenue and 80 Street. Things took a turn when an argument between the 30-year-old and one of the intruders turned violent.

“The pit bull stepped in to essentially protect her owner and, sadly, the pit bull received some pretty major wounds from what was described to me as a machete,” said Downtown Staff Sgt. Randy Wickins.

“Her wounds were horrific.”

Dr. Brent Jackson from the Edmonton Veterinarian’s Clinic where Mercey was rushed to, said she had two large knife wounds on her back – one behind her shoulder, and one in front of her pelvis.

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It was determined the pit bull would either need to be put down, or get surgery to save her life.

“The owner didn’t have enough money to make that happen,” said Wickins, “and the officers, at least 20 officers, started pulling money out of their pockets, and raised enough money to allow the surgery to happen.”

Together, they chipped in roughly $400.

Jackson said Mercey is still on pain medication, but he’s hoping she’ll be able to go home by the end of this week. Whether she’ll make a full recovery remains to be seen.

As for the four suspects – they fled the scene before police arrived at the scene. Police were able to track down three of them right away.

Clinton Neil Wabasca, 32, Charlie Jean Chalifoux, 18, and a 15-year-old male youth have all been taken into custody. Each suspect is charged with breaking and entering to commit assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, and cruelty to an animal.

Police continued to search for the fourth suspect, identified as 19-year-old Dylan Ian Machiskinic, who turned himself into police just after 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. Machiskinic is charged with break and enter to commit assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, and cruelty to an animal.

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Edmonton Police are looking for 19-year-old Dylan Machiskinic in connection with an assault and animal cruelty case. Supplied, EPS

UPDATE (Thursday): The Edmonton Police Service says it has answered numerous calls from people asking how and if they can donate money to Mercey’s veterinary care and recovery.

Police are asking to direct all inquiries to:

Edmonton Veterinarian’s Emergency Clinic

11104 -102 Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 2H4

(780) 433-9505

www.edmontonvetemergency.com

Follow @TrishKozicka