A rescue agency in Virginia is celebrating the birth of a brand new puppy, after the pup’s mom survived being ensnared by a wildlife trap

By 

Charlotte Phillipp

https://people.com/pregnant-dog-from-snare-trap-delivers-puppy-11892455

Published on January 26, 2026 01:31PM EST

2Comments

NEED TO KNOW

• A rescue agency in Virginia is celebrating the birth of a brand new puppy, after the pup’s mom survived being ensnared by a coyote trap
• The New Kent Sheriff’s Office Animal Protection Unit said that Maude had sustained severe injuries from a wire while she was pregnant with one puppy
• Maude is now recovering from her injuries and welcomed a puppy on Jan. 26

A rescue agency in Virginia is celebrating the birth of a brand new puppy, after the pup’s mom survived the odds following a near-fatal injury.

The New Kent Sheriff’s Office Animal Protection Unit shared that its deputies rescued a dog they later named Maude on Jan. 19, after the canine was found on a remote road near the state’s New Kent Highway with a wire wrapped tightly around her neck, leaving her head extremely swollen and causing a “disgusting amount of damage.”

“This dog is also pregnant. She is fighting for her life and her puppies,” the unit wrote on Facebook, before sharing that they were fundraising to help pay for the dog’s veterinary care.

Soon after, investigators shared that they learned “Maude may have been the victim of a cable snare trap — a device used for trapping wildlife [including coyote] that tightens like a zip tie as an animal struggles.”

Per the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, snares such as these must be checked every 24 hours. Because they function like a zip tie, which continues to tighten with strain and never loosens, they require a stopping point “to prevent incidents like Maude’s,” the sheriff’s office said.

“This snare loop found around her neck didn’t have a break and continued to tighten to a life-threatening strain on her throat,” the unit wrote, asking the public for any information about the trap. “At this time, we are unsure where this trap was set, who set it, how she got in it, how she got loose from it, and if there’s somebody out there who knows something.”

Our new app is here! Free, fun and full of exclusives. Scan to download now!

“Maude is still hospitalized and has a very long road ahead,” the unit said. “…Based on her injuries, we believe Maude may have suffered with this cable around her neck for some time. The pain she endured is heartbreaking. Our team is doing everything possible to save her, but at this time, she is not out of the woods.”

By Jan. 20, the sheriff’s office said that a veterinarian confirmed that Maude had one “very large puppy on board,” and was receiving “fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications” as she recovered from her injuries.

Just two days later, the animal protection unit shared that its team had picked up Maude from the vet. She was doing “exceptionally better,” with the swelling in her face completely gone and her neck healing well, but she was still awaiting the arrival of her puppy.

“Her neck is healing very well, her face is no longer swollen, and she is happy to see people who love her!” the unit wrote. “… We can’t believe this is the same dog!”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Jan. 26, Maude was officially discharged from the veterinarian, and during her first day with the Animal Protection Unit team, she “felt comfortable enough to have her puppy.”

“She is set up in our [whelping] box room and doing fantastic,” the office shared. “We had her checked by a local veterinarian to see if we should expect any more puppies, and it turns out, she is a mother to a spoiled only child.”

Officials shared that Maude was “doing well as a mom and taking great care of her pup.”

“Mom and pup are doing great,” the office said.

Related Stories

Kelly Clarkson Surprises Woman Who Has Rescued More Than 1,000 Stray Cats in 5 Years

A Sick Pet Cat, Last Seen Being Carried Off By a Delivery Driver, Returns Home, Family Says

The local community was quick to show its support for Maude, raising more than $10,000 for her treatment and care.

“Maude’s medical expenses are completely covered, and if she runs into future complications, those will be covered too,” the office said on Tuesday. “Every penny donated towards our fund for Maude that isn’t used on her care will be saved for future medical care needs of animals in New Kent.”

“Miracle happy ending!” one commenter wrote on Facebook.