Animal Cruelty: Man Tapes Dog's Mouth Shut
#Justice4Caitlyn. Have you heard of Caitlyn? No, I'm not talking about Caitlyn Jenner.
I'm talking about Caitlyn the adorable 15-month-old chocolate Staffordshire bull terrier mix who was victimized by her last two owners. Her first owner, tired of the responsibility of caring for an active puppy, dumped her on a stranger to net a $10 (or $20 according to some reports) profit. Her second owner, William Leonard Dodson, of North Charleston, South Carolina, thought it would be funny to tape Caitlyn's mouth shut with electrical tape.
I would say, "What kind of animal would do that?" But it would be an unfair insult to animals.
Caitlyn's Abuse
Caitlyn's mouth was taped so tightly for two whole days that it cut off blood flow to her tongue and killed tissue in her mouth. Luckily, Caitlyn was found by a stranger who called 911 and rushed her to emergency care.
Dodson was arrested Monday and charged with felony animal torture. His bail was set at $50,000.
South Carolina's Law
South Carolina's cruelty to animal law states, "a person who tortures, torments, needlessly mutilates, cruelly kills, or inflicts excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering upon an animal ... is guilty of a felony." If convicted, Dodson will face a minimum of 180 days or a maximum of five years in jail and a fine of $5,000.
Animal Cruelty
Reports claim that Dodson laughed when he told Caitlyn's former owner that he taped her mouth shut. But, animal cruelty is no laughing matter. Here is a round-up of our best animal cruelty law articles:
- What Is Considered Animal Cruelty Under the Law? -- Animal cruelty isn't just beating or killing an animal. Withholding food and medical care can be punished as animal cruelty as well.
- Is It Legal to Keep Pets Outdoors in the Cold? -- In some cities, it is illegal to tether, or tie dogs and other pets outside in severe weather.
- Cat Piercing for Goth Look is Animal Cruelty -- No animal needs piercings other than to satisfy the owners vanity. Just don't do it.
- Is It Legal to Hit Your Pets? -- Even if the law may allow hitting your pet, why would you want to? There are more effective ways to train your pet.
As for Caitlyn, the puppy is being cared for at Veterinary Specialty Care in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina where she is recovering remarkably well. If you would like to help, the Charleston Animal Society is raising money for Caitlyn and other mistreated animals' care through Toby's Fund.
Related Resources:
- Arrest made in case of dog found with muzzle taped shut (USA Today)
- Man Who Blew Up Dog to Face Animal Cruelty Charge After Uproar (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Calif. Man Gets 2 Years in Jail for Killing Cat (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Dog Tattoos Controversial, but Are They Legal? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)