When the photos of a 15-month-old chocolate Staffordshire with her muzzle taped shut tightly with electrical tape went viral, people's hearts went out to the dog and were outraged that any human being could do such an act to an innocent animal. The dog, Caitlyn, who is now recovering with the Charleston Animal Society, will live to see justice as a man in South Carolina has been charged with animal abuse and torture in relation to her case.
41-year-old, William Leonard Dodson, is being held at the Al Cannon Detention Center on a $50,000 bond and faces felony charges of ill-treatment to animals. He will be required to surrender another dog he has at his home and is scheduled for a bail hearing on Tuesday.
If found guilty of the charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to reports, in addition to these charges of animal abuse, Dodson is also serving probation for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Allegedly, Dodson came into ownership of Caitlyn when he bought her for $20 on May 25, 2015. Some reports say that the dog was named "Diamond" at the time, however, her microchip, which was implanted when she was 3 months old, recorded her name and information at the shelter where she is now being cared for.
Witnesses of the transaction said that Dodson taped Caitlyn's muzzle with electrical tape because she would not stop barking. Court documents state that Dodson laughed about this claim.
An affidavit also cites that Dodson told the witness that he chained Caitlyn to his front yard but she had escaped.
She was rescued the next day when she was found on a doorstep with her muzzle still taped shut.
Workers at the shelter say that she had been in pain and unable to eat or drink for days. Her tongue was swollen and blackened and although they took great care to remove the tape, not only to lessen her pain but also to preserve it as evidence; she is recovering but will be "permanently disfigured and permanently disabled."
The cost for Caitlyn's surgery and rehabilitation treatment is expected to run up to $5,000. The shelter will pay the cost with donations and contributions.
While Dodson awaits his fate, Caitlyn is said to be recovering well but is still wary of men.
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