A dog was discovered on the side of the road in Ruskin, Florida, with its legs tied together.
Animal control officers responded on Wednesday, Sept. 3, after receiving a call near G-7 Ranch Road and Stephens Road. The dog, a small brown chihuahua mix, managed to free its front legs and walked to a nearby home, where a resident reported the situation, according to local CBS affiliate KENS.
The dog was left with sores on its legs but had no major health issues, Roger Mills with Hillsborough County Animal Control told the outlet. The dog is expected to be available for adoption in a few days.
“He would be perfect for an older person who just wants a calm little dog to sit with them and snuggle,” Lori Letzring from Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center told KENS.
Animal control officers went door to door in the neighborhood to search for the dog’s original owner, but the investigation is still ongoing. Whoever abandoned the dog could face a third-degree felony charge.
Animal control and Pet Resource Center staff are asking anyone who recognizes the dog or has information to call 813-744-5660.
This incident comes after another dog in Daytona Beach, Florida, was rescued on July 6 when it was found injured and abandoned in an apartment complex dumpster.
“This act of cruelty is unacceptable, and we are fully committed to pursuing all leads to identify and hold the responsible party accountable,” the Daytona Beach Police Department said in a statement on July 9.
Heather Jones, whose husband Brandon Arroyo rescued the Daytona Beach dog, organized a GoFundMe to help with its care. Arroyo, who works for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, lives at the apartment complex with Jones. As of Aug. 7, the couple officially adopted the dog, naming him Drax, and enrolled him in puppy training classes.
