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Abused Pit Bull Rescued In Linthicum Recovering From Injuries

LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) -- It's another disturbing case of animal abuse. A pit bull is found severely beaten and abandoned.

Monique Griego has more on the dog's condition and why police believe he came from a dogfighting ring.

Shy and submissive, by all accounts "Rocky Road" is a gentle pit bull, but his bandaged wounds are evidence of a brutal beginning.

"He was covered in blood," Robin Small from Animal Control said. "He had lacerations all over his head, his neck, his ears, his legs."

A picture was taken last week after a Good Samaritan found the dog wandering in a parking lot off Andover Road in Linthicum. Some of his wounds were too graphic to show.

"He was obviously in pain, having trouble walking," Small explained.

The dog-- now named "Rocky Road"-- was brought to the Waugh Chapel Animal Shelter for treatment. Vet Scott Anderson says he had multiple bites and deep gashes.

"The front left leg looked like a human induced knife wound," Anderson said.

While Rocky Road suffered a lot of injuries, Anderson said the gashes on his head are a tell-tale sign he was possibly used as a bait dog.

In dogfighting, the bait dog is usually not aggressive.

"It's a dog that's either been neutered or a poor performer that is used to teach the younger dogs to bite savagely to kill," Anderson said.

Detectives are now trying to track down who is responsible.

"Keep your eyes open. If you see anything, give us a call," Small said.

As for Rocky Road, he's enjoying his new life and is already on the road to recovery.

"He's one of the friendliest dogs we've had in here through all the years and he's going to be a big hit with whatever family he goes to," Anderson said.

Anderson treated Rocky Road free of charge and is hoping other veterinarians will also consider donating their services to abused animals.

Rocky Road will need a few more weeks in treatment before going up for adoption.

If you have any information about this case, please contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or Text "MCS plus your message" to CRIMES (274637).

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