Reward offered in case of stray dog found with muzzle taped shut

Caitlyn was found with her muzzle tightly wrapped in electrical tape. Photo via Charleston Animal Society.

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The North Charleston Animal Society of South Carolina is asking for your help in finding the person responsible for seriously and intentionally injuring a local stray dog.

Caitlyn is a 15-month old Chocolate Lab/Staffie mix and a friendly, known stray in the Chicora Cherokee neighborhood of North Charleston.

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Yesterday, Caitlyn showed up on a resident’s doorstep with her muzzle tightly wound and clamped shut with black electrical tape, her face severely swollen, and circulation to her tongue restricted.

The injured dog was immediately taken to the North Charleston Animal Society where veterinarians carefully removed the tape and begin treating extensive, life-threatening injuries.

It is unknown if and how completely Caitlyn will recover from her extensive, life-threatening injuries. Photo via Charleston Animal Society.

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“Caitlyn is in a lot of pain, her condition is critical, and her prognosis is guarded,” Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Veterinary Care, Dr. Lucy Fuller, DVM told ABC News 4, “A large part of her tongue may need to be removed surgically if the tissue dies from the lack of blood flow. She may be severely disfigured, or the large amount of dead tissue may cause life-threatening complications.”

Veterinarians estimate that, based on her injuries, the tape was in place for between 36 and 48 hours, during which time Caitlyn would have been unable to eat, drink, breathe freely, bark, pant, or defend herself if necessary.

The Charleston Animal Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. If convicted of ill treatment of an animal, the suspects could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Charleston Animal Society.

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