30°
The male puppy was put to sleep by an area veterinarian who was not able to save it from several severe wounds and excessive blood loss, said Ernest Lungaro, director of the SPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement Division.
The badly injured dog was found on a walkway, near a chain leash tied to a metal pole, between Somersville Road and Edwards Place in Yonkers.
The puppy suffered from multiple ailments, including bite wounds to the face and abrasions around his face, muzzle and head, Lungaro said.
“He was extremely emaciated and neglected and was mostly likely used as a bait dog in a fighting ring,” the retired NYPD officer said in a statement. “The veterinarian also noted the animal had old scars from previous attacks.”
The term “bait dog” usually refers to puppies, weaker or older dogs used to train other dogs to fight. They are often rendered defenseless by having their teeth removed or being tethered.
Lungaro asked anyone with information on the pit bull puppy or any dog fighting ring throughout the county to call the confidential animal cruelty hotline at 914-941-7797.
“Although dog fighting is a crime in New York State, we are constantly on the lookout for clandestine groups who fight the animals in Westchester County,” said Lungaro.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.
