WARNING: This is a retelling of the stabbing murder of a human being and the significant wounds inflicted upon his dog during the attack. This information is graphic and may be disturbing to some readers. Discretion advised.
Anthony Banks was a 60-year-old man in Ohio. At 2:30 on a Monday afternoon, he was stabbed to death in his home. He died at the scene from multiple stab wounds, many of which were defensive. Mr. Banks was not the only one with defense wounds and he wasn’t the only victim. His dog was there with him and she nearly died, too.
Dog Named ‘Baby Girl’ Found at the Scene Clinging to Life
Police arrived to a horrific scene. Mr. Banks had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene. His dog, who family members said is called Baby Girl, was found in grave condition. She had large gaping stab wounds on her head and neck. She was rushed to MedVet Emergency Clinic but was not expected to live.
Baby Girl on the Road to Recovery Within Days
The medical team at MedVet Emergency Clinic gave Baby Girl excellent care and attention. Her stabbing wounds were sutured closed. The slash on her neck was immense and required a specially designed bandage to keep the stitches closed. (This bandage is carefully changed on a daily basis.)
There is no way to know with certainty, but many of the professionals involved believe that her wounds were received while defending her human from this vicious attack. Investigators obtained DNA samples from Baby Girl’s body while she was in emergency care. Those samples may help investigators find the person who did this.
Baby Girl has Wagged her Tail Through It All
Kelly Sears is the Director of Lucas County Canine Care. In an interview for ABC 13, she said that Baby Girl’s sweet demeanor in the face of such tragedy and trauma is remarkable. She said, “She is a lovely dog. It is hard to imagine what she went through, but she has been friendly with everyone she has met, including the staff that worked on her while she was in such pain at the emergency clinic.
While we don’t know for sure, the wounds certainly look like she was trying to save her owner from whoever was attacking him. She may be able to help investigators find her owner’s killer. They took DNA samples from her while she was getting emergency vet care. She has had a few nightmares. We don’t know if they are the usual doggie nightmares, or if they are from the horror she went through, but we are all working to help her heal.”
Foster Will Care for Her Until She is Ready for a New Forever Family
Baby Girl will soon move to the care of a foster to continue healing. Once she is fully recovered, she will be available for adoption. Her story has inspired many donations to Lucas County Canine Care. There is a great deal of interest in her adoption including from investigators working on the case to find the assailant.
We will continue following Baby Girl’s story and bring you updates as they become available. If you have any information about the stabbing of Anthony Banks and Baby Girl, please call Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111
H/T 13abc.com
Featured Image Lucas County Canine and Care Control/Facebook
Toledo, United States.
