A Syrian brown bear had a seven-day snooze after being rescued from a tiny filthy prison - a cage he was welded inside.

Gabriel Skyler Caswell, 23, was a full-time employee of the Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter when the abuse occurred.

After suspected abuse, Stevie is very fearful of people encroaching his space, but volunteer Iva Popova saw potential in him.

Hancock County Animal Shelter personnel have taken a unique approach to not only bringing attention to the plight of shelter ...