According to veteran animal control officers, the incident is one of the more gruesome cases they have worked.
Authorities told Nashville's News 2 Investigates they were called to Joshlyn Russell-Moore's home on January 10 after they received an anonymous call.
Upon arrival animal control officers discovered a pit bull whose head was nearly severed by a chain.
The dog has since been euthanized.
"As soon as we pulled up in the driveway you could smell it. The dog was fully infected. His head was swollen. His jaws were swelled up. There's no way you can miss that," animal control officer Billy Briggs said.
He continued, "It was nearly decapitated from the side to the bottom of the neck clear through to the esophagus. This dog suffered. I can't tell you how bad this dog suffered."
An old food bowl and a dilapidated dog house were also found.
Nashville's News 2 Investigates spoke to some people inside the home on Wednesday who described Russell-Moore as a "sweetheart," adding she would never hurt a fly.
No one inside the house would speak on camera, but did say the pit bull belonged to an ex-boyfriend and that Russell-Moore did not call authorities because she was afraid of the man.
"That doesn't hold water," Briggs said. "If it is on your property you are responsible for it."
A second dog was also found on the property. Authorities said it was skinny, but still alive.
Russell-Moore is currently charged with a misdemeanor. The district attorney's office is reviewing the case to see if felony abuse charges are warranted.
(WKRN - Jan 23, 2013)
