'This Is Appalling': Dog Found On Side Of Road With Muzzle Taped Shut, Throat Slit

UPDATE: Butler County authorities now say the story of a horrifically abused dog was made up by the owner in order to get free veterinary care.

Both the community and law enforcement in an area of Ohio are expressing disgust and outrage after a dog was found on the side of the road with severe injuries.

A person going for a stroll in Madison Township on Aug. 17 came across a horrifying sight: an injured dog whose muzzle had been "duct taped shut and her throat cut,” according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, August 23.

The dog was rushed to a veterinarian and has survived the cruel attack. A chip was located on her, which led officials back to HART Rescue in Cincinnati. 

HART Rescue told investigators that someone adopted the dog from them in 2011. 

Butler County Sheriff’s Dog Warden is now investigating the case as animal cruelty and is asking for the public’s help in identifying the dog.

“This is appalling, words cannot describe the disgust I’m feeling right now, we will work diligently to find who did this and seek justice,” Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones said.

“We will not tolerate these actions,” he said in a tweet on Friday. “Period. not now or ever.”

Investigators posted an update on the dog’s condition Saturday, stating that she is recovering and “doing well.”

They said her name is Dani.

“The Sheriff loves animals and takes cases like this very serious,” the statement said. 

The statement addressed the dozens and dozens of comments from people who expressed outrage for whoever did this to Dani and who expressed interest in adopting her.

“As far as adopting her, we are working on getting her better right now... Thank you all for your kind words and support and we'll keep you updated on her progress and possible adoption information," the statement concluded.