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Dog found with dog fighting injuries
Coatesville, PA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Feb 6, 2012
County: Chester
Disposition: Open
Case Images: 1 files available
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
Responding to a tip, a Chester County police officer made a grisly discovery this week: A pit bull was lying in a ravine with injuries so severe that a responding animal-control officer was equally stunned.
The dog, apparently the victim of a dogfight, was found Monday by Caln Township Police Officer Joseph Carboni on the side of Fisherville Road in Coatesville, near Brandywine Hospital, said the Chester County SPCA, which announced an investigation today and is seeking the public's help to to find the animal's owner.
"I am a real dog lover and I was heartbroken to see him in that condition," said Carboni, describing the dog, who is recovering and has been named "Radar." "He was in such bad shape that I thought he was hit by a car. He was shivering and couldn't raise his head."
Carboni called the Chester County SPCA and spoke with Animal Protective Officer Craig Baxter, who arrived minutes later.
"I couldn't believe the condition of this dog," said Baxter. "I have been an APS officer for nearly eight years and this really shook me up."
Radar was taken to the West Chester Veterinary Medical Center, where veterinarian Scott Humphries determined that the injuries, which included multiple puncture wounds, a muzzle swollen to twice its size, and visible ribs and spine, had been caused by a dogfight.
After treatment, the dog was taken to the Chester County SPCA, where Baxter and fellow officer Cheryl Shaw named the pit bull Radar, because they felt he was silently reaching out for help.
Now a campaign has been launched to raise public awareness to this problem and try to end the practice.
"The Chester County SPCA wants the public to know that 'Dog Fighting is On Our Radar,' and we are actively seeking information regarding dogfighting in Chester County," said Rich Britton, a spokesman for the agency, an independent nonprofit located in West Goshen Township.
Britton said signs of dogfighting may include an inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized; and dogs with scars on their faces, front legs and hind end and thighs.
"Radar is making a remarkable recovery and has a very sweet disposition," said Britton. "This dog and this breed are unfairly painted as monsters. It's the people who abuse these animals who are the real monsters."
Britton said anyone with information can provide it anonymously and are encouraged to call 610-692-6113, ext. 213.
Each count of misdemeanor animal cruelty carries with it a minimum $1000 fine, up to 2 years in prison, or both, Britton said. If you have information on this case, please contact:
CCSPCA Animal Protective Services
[email protected]
610-692-6113, ext. 213
References« PA State Animal Cruelty Map
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