HIALEAH, Fla. — Authorities suspect that a grossly emaciated dog found in Hialeah with scars and covered in bite marks -- some of which were open wounds that were infected -- was used as bait in dog fighting.
Miami-Dade County Animal Services personnel responded to a call and found the dog suffering at 183 Street and 122 Avenue. Dr. Andrew Kushnirl suspects the dog was abused for years.
“He has hundreds of healed and healing wounds, which is insane,” Kushnirl said. “The likelihood that he was used in dogfighting as a bait dog is extremely high ... He was lethargic and in very bad shape.”
Anything’s Pawsible Rescue and the Animal Welfare Society of South Florida stepped in to help the dog. Dr. Joy Carter was familiar with the area where the county employees picked him up in Hialeah.
“Unfortunately, this is not the only case,” Carter said. “There are lots of other cases out there, there are lots of other dogs and even cats that are being abused that need our help.”
Animal advocates named the dog “Warrior.” He needed antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, treatment to clean and flush every open wound, and still needs help with broken and fractured teeth.
“There is a large cavernous hole,” Kushnir said.
“Warrior” is resilient. The veterinarians who have been treating him think he will make a full recovery.
“The fact that he made it out and made it to the right place is a miracle,” Kushnir said.
Joseph Palermo, of Anything’s Pawsible Rescue, helped to raise more than $5,000 as a reward for information to help in the arrest and prosecution of the person or persons who hurt “Warrior.”
“It’s very sad. There are a lot of dogs that need help, but just in this specific case,” Palermo said. “He’s in terrible condition and we’re going to do what it takes to get him right, to get him better.”
Animal abuse is a felony. Detectives with the Hialeah Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Detectives asked anyone with information about this or other cases to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477 to remain anonymous.
For more information about how to help or to contribute to the fund, visit this page.
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