Dog Found in Garbage Bag Dies After Rescue Attempt; $2,500 Reward Offered
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty after a dog was discovered inside a garbage bag on the side of a road in Grand Bay.
The dog, later named Chance, was still alive when local residents found him, but his injuries were too severe, and he was humanely euthanized. A video of Chance in the garbage bag, shared online, sparked outrage and mobilized several people to try to save him.
Brook Whitehurst, one of the rescuers, described her shock upon seeing Chance’s condition.
“His eyes… I will never forget his eyes. He looked terrified but couldn’t move or make a sound,” she said.
Whitehurst contacted Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue, who immediately arranged veterinary care. Chance was rushed to the clinic, where he was treated for heartworms, skin infections, mange, and multiple puncture wounds. An X-ray revealed a hidden injury — a bullet lodged in his head for at least 10 days, causing brain swelling.
“I rubbed his head, telling him it would be okay… never imagining there was a bullet inside,” Whitehurst said.
When found, Chance had lost control of his bladder and bowels inside the garbage bag and had been lying in his own waste for an unknown period of time.
Despite efforts to save him, the injuries proved too severe, and the difficult decision was made to put him down. Whitehurst kept the garbage bag as evidence, and investigators are attempting to retrieve fingerprints from it.
Sheriff Paul Burch announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
“We’re not sure whether he was a victim of dog fighting or a neglected pet. We simply don’t know yet,” Burch said.
In response, local citizens are organizing a community meeting on March 12 at the West Regional Library to address animal abuse and neglect. Rescue advocates stress the need for stricter laws, more enforcement officers, and stronger spay/neuter regulations to combat the overwhelming number of neglected animals in the South.