The tape was so tight around Caitlyn's muzzle that her
tongue was caught between her teeth, stopping blood flow to her tongue.
Officials think that the tape was on Caitlyn for up to 36-48 hours.
The Charleston Animal Society Senior Director of Veterinary
Care, Dr. Lucy Fuller, DVM, said "Caitlyn is in a lot of pain, her
condition is critical, and her prognosis is guarded." She also said that
"A large part of her tongue may need to be removed surgically if the
tissue dies from the lack of blood flow. She may be severely disfigured, or the
large amount of dead tissue may cause life-threatening complications."
Treatment for Caitlyn will be paid for by Toby's Fund,
Charleston Animal Society's medical fund that is only made possible by
donations from the community.
"This is the most malicious case of animal abuse I
have ever seen in my entire career," said Charleston Animal Society
Director of Anti-Cruelty & Outreach Aldwin Roman. He continued, "to
leave this dog in pain, unable to eat or drink and to now leave her in the
position where her life is at stake because she may lose her tongue is heartbreaking."
North Charleston Animal Control is investigating the case
and looking for whoever is responsible. Charleston Animal Society is offering a
$1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those
responsible. If convicted of ill treatment of an animal, the guilty could face
up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
