Police Have Arrested A Man In Connection To An Awful Case of Animal Abuse

Impact

Some people are just the worst.

William Leonard Dodson of North Charleston, South Carolina was arrested Monday night in connection to a brutal case of animal abuse toward a local stray dog.

Caitlyn, a 15-month-old Chocolate Staffie mix, was found on the doorstep of a good Samaritan in the Chicora Cherokee neighborhood of North Charleston with her muzzle taped shut with black electrical tape. Officials estimated the crime left her in pain, unable to eat or drink, from anywhere between 36 and 48 hours, local WCIV-TV reported. 

The Charleston Animal Society of South Carolina had offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible in a horrific case of animal abuse.

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"I've been in animal welfare for eight years now, I've seen a lot of stuff," Aldwin Roman, Charleston Animal Society's director of anti-cruelty and outreach, told Mic. "This is by far the worst thing I've seen since I've been at Charleston Animal Society."

Roman said Caitlyn is in the care of a specialist and suffering from a severe infection around her snout and muzzle. He added that loss of blood flow to her tongue might also potentially result in a partial amputation.

If Dodson is found guilty, he could face up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine. 

While Caitlyn's story is among the bigger examples of #HumanityFail to emerge on the Internet this year, it's only a small part of the much larger problem of animal abuse in America. While there is no national reporting system in place for animal cruelty, the Humane Society rescues thousands of animals every year suffering from deprivation. The society declared media reports on the subject to be just "the tip of the iceberg."

Dogs are often called man's best friend because of the unconditional love and support they offer people. Anyone greeted by a happy dog after a long day at work knows what an essential part of life they can become. It makes stories like Caitlyn's all the more tragic and senseless. 

Anyone seeking to contribute to Caitlyn's medical care and the care of other abused animals can donate to Toby's Fund online.

"Caitlyn was a sweet dog." Roman said. "I really have no idea why someone would do this."

June 2, 2015, 9:39 am: This post has been updated