Dog found in dumpster wrapped up in duct tape: “I have never seen anything like it”

It is profoundly distressing to witness the extent of cruelty that some individuals exhibit towards animals. Recently, a dog was discovered with its entire head encased in duct tape. While this situation was indeed tragic, it ultimately concluded with a positive outcome.

On April 15, the Nebraska Humane Society reported this alarming incident. Animal Control responded to a report from a concerned citizen who believed an animal was trapped in a dumpster; initially thinking it was a raccoon, she was taken aback to find it was a dog. The condition of the dog was shocking: its head, tail, and legs were all bound with duct tape, and its fur was matted with food and other debris.

Kevin Wiederin, a staff member who responded to the scene, expressed his disbelief to KETV, stating, “I have never seen anything like it. The entire muzzle was taped, and there was tape covering the eyes, with its front and back paws also bound.” He further remarked, “I was absolutely sickened. It was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. I cannot fathom inflicting such harm on a living creature, especially a defenseless dog, and then discarding it like refuse.”

Fortunately, the dog was found just in time; the Nebraska Humane Society noted that a mere thirty minutes after Animal Control arrived, a truck came to empty the dumpster.

The puppy was transported to the Nebraska Humane Society, where he was sedated, and the staff began the process of removing the tape. They had to shave his fur to eliminate all the debris.

In a Facebook update, the organization reported that although the puppy exhibited mild skin irritation, he was “otherwise healthy and seemed to be in good spirits despite his condition,” even wagging his tail.

Once the tape was removed, the staff was relieved to discover a microchip. The dog was identified as Leo, who had been missing for several days.

Leo’s owner, Erin Dillon-Pasillas, explained that the dog had escaped from her home while she was taking her son to school. She had spent several anxious days searching for her beloved pet and reaching out to local shelters.
Each passing day became increasingly stressful, as she recounted to KETV, “It was just silence.” She expressed her anxiety, stating, “I was trembling, reaching out to them, hoping, please let it be my dog.”

Erin felt immense relief upon the return of her dog, yet she was deeply saddened by the ordeal that Leo endured. “He is the most gentle dog! I cannot comprehend why someone would do this,” she shared with NHS.

Leo is currently recuperating from his traumatic experience, and Erin mentioned her plans to give him a soothing bath and arrange for a veterinary examination.

The identity of Leo’s abuser remains unknown. According to NHS, there are no surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the dumpster where Leo was discovered. They urge anyone with relevant information to reach out to Animal Services at 402-444-7800 and are offering a reward of $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest.

It is a truly distressing situation—one cannot fathom the cruelty of duct-taping such a gentle dog. However, we are relieved that Leo is safe and back with his owner. We sincerely hope that the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice.

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