YORK, Pa. (WHTM) -
A local animal rescue is caring for an apparent dog-fighting victim brought into the York County SPCA Saturday morning.
The Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (CPAA) said the 2- to 3-year-old female pit bull named "Honey" was brought in by animal control officers.
She was suffering from multiple puncture wounds on her head, face and legs, but the most serious of her injuries was to her lower jaw: a 2-inch section of her jaw bone is exposed where the skin has been ripped away. According to the SPCA veterinarian, the wounds were severely infected, as they were likely a couple days old.
Veterinarians are recommending a skin graft for Honey, with initial estimates of at least $6,500 for the surgery alone.
"It's beyond sick to allow a dog to suffer like this," said Zella Anderson, CPAA founder and director. "We need the community's help to pay for her extensive medical care, but even more so, we need people to open their eyes to the growing problem of dog fighting and work together to put a stop to it."
Anderson said the York County SPCA took quick action to ease Honey's suffering by sedating her, flushing her wounds and reaching out to find additional help for her.
CPAA has also helped to rescue a number of suspected dogfight victims from York and Harrisburg over the last several months.
"There is no question dog fighting is a serious problem in Central Pennsylvania, and it deserves serious attention from law enforcement," Anderson said. "People who fight dogs aren't otherwise good, law-abiding citizens - they tend to be involved in many other crimes, including theft, illegal gambling, drug dealing, gang activity and more."
For more information or to make a donation to support Honey and CPAA's Anit-Dogfighting Task Force, visit www.cpaa.info.
Updates on Honey's condition will be posted at www.Facebook.com/CentralPAAnimalAlliance.
