Indianapolis, IN – A pit bull, likely used as a bait dog, was found with hundreds of wounds to his body by a man living near the Keystone Avenue and 34th Street neighborhood along the northeast side.
The Good Samaritan took the animal to the Humane Society of Indianapolis where the pit bull received necessary treatment.
The injuries sustained by the pit bull, named Triton, suggests he was used as a bait dog, animals utilized by dog-fighters to test the fighting instincts and abilities of other canines.
Bait dogs are often mauled or killed in the process of training another prize animal for dog fighting.
Dog fighting is a form of entertainment that generates revenue from stud fees, admission fees, and gambling. It is illegal in most countries.
Bait dogs, bait animals, are often obtained from the wild, from shelters, from free to good home ads, and sometimes are stolen from their owners.
According to the Humane Society of the US, the noses of bait dogs are typically wrapped with duct tape to limit injuries and their teeth and nails are filed down or cut until little is left. Smaller dogs, cats, and rabbits are more at risk of becoming a bait animal than larger animals.
Triton’s wounds were severe, thus the bait dog required emergency surgery. According to the first responder, Christine Jeschke, the bait dog’s wounds were extensive: huge gashes along his forearms and puncture wounds everywhere – all old and new in various stages of healing, reports WISHTV.
When the bait dog was shaved down, additional injuries were revealed. The pit bulls’ face was the only part of the bait dog’s body unmarred – suggested he was used illegally as they are muzzled so they can’t defend themselves or harm the prize dog being trained.
In Indiana, dog fighting is a Class D felony to own, posses, keep, or train a dog for the purposes of dog fighting. Offenders can be subjected to fines of up to $10,000 along with up to three years in jail. Although complaints are made, 27 dating back since July 2012, they are rare. Dog fighting, at least in this area, is not organized. Groups will gather in empty lots or abandoned buildings, according to MSN.
For now, Triton, the poor pit bull used as a bait dog, is recovering at the shelter and will not be immediately available for adoption due to the trauma.
[Image via Shutterstock]