During the first week of March, a two-year-old pitbull mix, now called Bubba, was found abandoned and badly injured. A Good Samaritan called to report they found the dog wrapped in a blanket during the early morning hours of March 5th. A rescue crew quickly responded and they couldn't believe what they found.
Animal control officers judged that the canine's injuries were consistent with dog fighting. They said that Bubba was covered in fresh wounds as well as scabs. This meant that his wounds were suffered over an extended period of time.
The team that initially filed the report for the dog indicated that he sustained severe injuries to his legs, ears, and head. In many cases like this the dogs do not survive long enough to receive the help they need.
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Now, more than two weeks after the incident occurred, the rescued pooch is recuperating from the first of two surgeries on his head. He had an infected broken tooth fixed as well as reconstructive surgery on his face.
The injuries to his ears were so severe that they both had to be removed. Another surgery will be performed to fix the remaining damage in the near future. There are many rescue dogs with amazing stories, and thankful this dog's story ends well too.
The rescue officials brought the dog to a local shelter for assistance. Staff there quickly realized his sweet nature and gave him the nickname Bubba G. They described him as a docile and loving animal. Pit Bulls are often unfairly generalized as dangerous, but Bubba definitely didn’t fit that description.
Sadly, the law enforcement officers believe that Bubba was used as what is known as a bait dog. Bait dogs are more submissive canines that are used for the actual fighting dogs to practice on.
Officers are still looking for the persons involved in the case, and concerns have been raised that there may be active dog fighting rings located in Denver. Dog fighting has become a hot topic in recent years, and many agencies are working to make sure it isn't a continued practice in the United States.
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It is believed that Bubba will make a full recovery after his next surgery and that eventually he will be able to be placed for adoption. In Colorado, dog fighting is considered a felony animal cruelty charge and is punishable by $1,000-$100,000 in fines and/or six months to six years in prison.
There is a reward of up to $6,000 for information leading to an arrest in Bubba’s case. Several tips have been received and they are all being actively investigated at this point.
