The story of Caitlyn shows why animal cruelty penalties must be stronger and until that happens, why the penalties given must be the maximum. Caitlyn, a 15-month-old chocolate Staffordshire bull terrier mix, was left on someone's doorstep last Wednesday with black electrical tape wrapped around her muzzle so tightly that her tongue was caught between her teeth. The tape was apparently there for three days, according to the Charleston Animal Society, which took over the dog's care last week.
According to city officials, North Charleston police arrested a 41-year-old man on suspicion of the crime. The suspect faces a charge of ill treatment of an animal involving torture. The crime is reportedly punishable by up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.
Caitlyn was transferred to a specialty care veterinary unit. She has been receiving treatments to improve the damaged tissue in her mouth and laser therapy to promote healing. She underwent a small surgical procedure on her lip Saturday, but there is not currently a procedure planned for her tongue. Caitlyn is now eating on her own and taking oral medications.
Dear Mayor Sumney and Solicitor Wilson, I am writing today to request the maximum sentence of five years and a $5,000 fine for whomever should he be convicted of the torture of Caitlyn, the dog found with her muzzle taped shut. Cases like these make it all the more obvious that our laws regarding abuse of animals should be stronger. Please be a voice for the voiceless and help convict all animal abusers with the largest penalties and work towards stronger laws governing the protection of animals. It is only when we have harsher penalties that this abuse will lessen.
"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." -Mahatma Gandhi
Best regards.
Update #48 years ago
Hi all,
I reopened Catilyn's petition to share this heartwarming update with all of you. http://barkpost.com/video/dogs-best-day-caitlyn/?utm_campaign=barkpostfb&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social
The petition will be open until at least Jan 31 if you want to share it to gain more signatures.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Best,
Angela
Update #38 years ago
Good afternoon! Today is the last day to sign Caitlyn's petition! Please share and encourage people to sign as much as possible. Tomorrow I will send it to the solicitor and the mayor in N Charleston, SC.
Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared. You are heroes for Caitlyn!
Angela
Update #28 years ago
Hi all,
Thank you to everyone who has signed Caitlyn's petition, which will be submitted Tuesday, June 30. Please share as much as possible this weekend. Would love to send with 250k signatures!
Caitlyn continues to do well. There's some adorable video of her playing with her ball here: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonAnimalSociety/videos/vb.81551561368/10153435227426369/?type=2&theater.
Have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend!
Angela
Update #18 years ago
Thank you to everyone who has shared and signed Caitlyn's Petition! This sweet girl is doing well, but the fight for justice is not over. When I created the petition, I hoped to get 5,000 signatures but we are a little over 150,000. That is because of ALL OF YOU! I cannot thank you enough for advocating for Caitlyn!
Please share again to get to 200k!
Thank you again!
Angela :)
