Animals
Pit Bull Puppy Found With Maggots In Open Wounds May Have Been Dog Fighting ‘Bait’, Deputies Say
Authorities in Florida are investigating a possible dogfighting operation after a pit bull puppy was found abandoned with open wounds festering with maggots and flies.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said the pit bull puppy, named Shelly by rescuers, was spotted in Shell Bluff Park in the Andalusia area on April 8 by county workers who contacted the Saving Missing Animals Response Team (SMART).
“She was lying in the ditch with maggots, open wounds, blood and infection oozing and flies swarming. With days of nasty rain, she likely had been there for days,” SMART said. Shelly was rushed to East Coast Animal Hospital for treatment and is now recovering.
The sheriff’s office is now investigating, as it is believed Shelly may be a victim of dog fighting, and was possibly used as a “bait dog.”
SMART has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to call FCSO at 386-313-4911, email TIPS@flaglersheriff.com, or submit a tip by using the FCSO app or website referencing Case No. 26-34418.
