Abused “Bait Dog” Rescued Near Las Vegas Strip, Fighting for His Life
A young pit bull, showing devastating signs of being used as a bait dog in dogfighting, has been rescued in Las Vegas and is now fighting for his life.
Workers in an industrial area near the Las Vegas Strip discovered the dog, bloodied and broken, lying helpless in an abandoned car seat. Volunteers from Vegas Pet Rescue Project immediately rushed him to Warm Hearts Pet Hospital for emergency treatment.
“He was starving, tortured, severely abused,” said Dr. Inna Goncharov, owner of the hospital. “He was in such bad shape — his face was swollen shut, his ears badly damaged. He couldn’t even open his eyes.”
Veterinarians discovered that the dog’s body was ravaged by infection. His ears were nearly chewed off, he was dangerously underweight and dehydrated, and X-rays revealed a metal screw inside his stomach. Even more heartbreaking — he is completely deaf, meaning he couldn’t hear or understand the attacks he endured.
“This poor boy couldn’t even hear who was attacking him or why,” said Tina Hayes from Vegas Pet Rescue Project.
The rescuers believe the young albino pit bull endured long-term abuse as a bait dog before being abandoned. He was still wearing a collar typically used to chain bait dogs.
Despite his horrific past, the dog is now safe, resting, and responding to care. His rescuers have given him a new name — Hercules — in the hope that his strength will carry him through recovery.
“He’s been through the worst imaginable cruelty,” Hayes said. “But now, he finally has a chance.”