Animal cruelty investigators say it is possible a mutilated pit bull found discarded in Calvary Cemetery may have been killed by its owner for losing an illegal dog fight.
"Pit bull fighting is against the law in every state, but we suspect there are rings right here in the Seacoast area," said Steve Sprowl, cruelty investigator for the Stratham-based New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "When these animals lose their fights, they have no value to the owners and the dog pays with its life."
"It�s hard to say for certain what happened in this particular case, but there are signs this dog has been involved in at least several fights," Sprowl said.
The dog was discovered Wednesday morning by a resident who notified Portsmouth police after noticing a blood-stained bed sheet while walking her dog in the cemetery.
The animal, which was wrapped in two plastic bags, had scars covering its face, head and ears; multiple scarring on its body; small patches of bacterial infection on its torso; a large deep cut on its stomach; and a mangled left front leg that showed signs of gangrene, according to a statement released Monday by the NHSPCA.
"We haven�t determined the exact cause of death. We�re hoping someone will come forward and identify the dog and lead us to the owner," Sprowl said.
Portsmouth animal control officer Austin Wallace said the dog was taken to a nearby animal hospital, but would not speculate on how the animal died or when.
Authorities ask that anyone with information about the dog and its owner to contact the New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 772-2921, Ext. 111; the Portsmouth Police Department animal control officer at 427-1500, Ext. 441, or Portsmouth Crimeline at 431-1199. If you have information on this case, please contact:
New Hampshire SPCA
772-2921, Ext. 111
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