Dog sold for $10 returns to previous owners with muzzle tied shut with electrical tape

UPDATE TO STORY: William Leonard Dodson arrested for taping dog's mouth shut

SOUTH CAROLINA -- A dog whose owners sold for $10 later found her way back to their yard with her muzzle taped so tightly that her tongue may have to be cut off, WGHP reported.

The 15-month old Staffordshire mix may have been left with the electrical tape trapping her tongue in her teeth for more than 48 hours, the report said. After doctors removed the tape, her muzzle swelled so much–double its size–that she may need surgery to save her life.

The dog, who was named Diamond but was renamed Caitlyn by rescuers, was sold because her old owners needed the money, WCIV reported. She returned to their yard a few days later.

Caitlyn’s former owners said they contacted animal control and provided information on the man who bought her, who offered to pay for her after he seeing her on Memorial Day.

The couple, who was not identified, said they were in such a dire situation that they agreed. They also said they never expected the abuse to happen.

 

“Don’t let me find you because that’s part of my family you just did some foul things to,” he told WCIV.

Officials at the Charleston Animal Society said Caitlyn’s condition is improving, and she’s beginning to want food and water again.

“This was intentional,” said Dr. Kelli Klein. “Someone was trying to hurt her and they did it. They did what they went out to do. Just thankfully someone intervened so she didn’t die.”

“I’m making it sound like she’s doing so great, and she is, but these are serious, serious injuries,” Klein said. “She still has a long way to go. Regardless of whether there are surgeries or not surgeries she will be in recovery for months before she is deemed normal.”

The animal society is offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible.

(Pix11 - May 30, 2015)

Earlier:

• SC dog found with muzzle taped shut, reward offered