APOPKA, Fla. – A discovery just outside Apopka has caught the attention of Orange County Animal Services investigators: Officials with Pitbull Tailz Rescue told News 6 they found a pit bull on Wednesday dumped at the end of a dead-end road.
They said her body was covered in bites and claw marks.
“When I was calling her and trying to talk to her, she would lift her head a little bit, but you could tell she was probably there to take her last breaths eventually,” Adrienne Andino said.
Andino posted a video of her discovering the dog, who they named Miracle, on Facebook, and she also posted videos and pictures of the dog after it was rushed to an Apopka animal clinic.
The staff said it had seen injuries like this before on dogs used as bait dogs in dog-fighting rings.
“I've dealt with a handful of them, but this is probably the most severe,” veterinary technician Kayla Schlegel said.
“The abuse is horrific, and it's out there, and it's constant, and it's in our backyards all the time,” Andino said. “It's so close to home.”
News 6 brought its findings to Orange County Animal Services, and spokeswoman Diane Summers said they’re investigating the possibility that a dog fighting ring may be behind the dog’s injuries.
“Unfortunately, dog fighting and the use of animals for criminal activity still exists,” Summers said. “Orange County Animal Services, and its network of partners, will not tolerate this type of cruelty toward animals. We ask members of the public to come forward any time that they suspect animal abuse, or that an animal is in critical need so that intervention on the animal’s behalf is possible. While in this case it remains unclear as to how the dog was injured, it is clear that we have an incredible animal rescue network that, time and time again, comes forward to assist animals who need specialized care.”
Summers urged people to report suspected animal abuse by calling 407-836-3111.
Andino said Miracle is currently in the intensive care unit at the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center.
She said she’s not certain the dog will survive.
She estimated the cost of her care to be between $15,000 to $20,000. If you would like to contribute to the fund to help, click here.
