Extreme Animal Cruelty Case, Dog Used As 'Bait': Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Staff

BRANFORD, CT — The staff at the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter are dealing with another heartbreaking animal cruelty case. The staff spent the spring helping Hope, a dog that was so abused it was a day or two from death, recover. Hope has since flourished and now on Thursday shelter staff revealed a new animal cruelty case they just received.

A dog, likely used as a "bait dog," was found in the area and required surgery today to help the badly abused dog.

Here's the shelter's story in their own words:

Shared and written by Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter,

Please be aware that these photos are graphic and may disturb some people.

At about 8:45 a.m. an upset resident had stated that her husband found a dog that was in dire straits. The initial claim was that the dog was found in Branford however that story has changed and we are not certain where this dog is really from.

What we do know is that the people really wanted to get help for this dog. We also believe that the dog does appear to have been used as a bait dog.

So how does an Animal Control Officer evaluate a potential bait dog case? His canines appear to have been shaved down to the nerves, he has scarring around his legs consistent with tie marks from ropes or wires, he has extensive scarring all over his body and there are many other factors we take into consideration.

This dog was bloody upon arrival to our shelter and had wounds extending all over his body. He had no tags, no collar, no chip and is not neutered. We have named him Freedom.

Freedom is the exact reason we fundraise as much and as often as we do. We never know what will be at our doorstep every day when we open. Freedom deserves better than how he was treated and we will once again do everything humanly possible to save him and make this right. The vets estimate that Freedom is 5-7 years old. He is a pit bull terrioer mix. He is about 10-15 pounds under weight.

We once again would like to Thank Branford Veterinary Hospital for staying late to perform surgery on Freedom to hopefully save his ears and to flush all of his wounds and to care for him so tenderly. We made Freedom the same promise we make to every animal that comes to our facility. We will do everything humanly possible to save you and to find you a loving and deserving home.

As Freedom progresses we will update everyone with photos so you can see both his face and his personality.

Photos via Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Staff