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The Man Who Taped This Pitbull's Mouth Shut Has Just Been Sentenced To 5 Years In Prison

By
Andrea A.

In 2015, the story of Caitlyn, the Pitbull who cruelly had her muzzle taped shut by her owner, moved the whole world. On March 24, two years after the dog suffered her horrific ordeal, William Leonard Dodson, her abuser, was sentenced to 5 years in prison by the South Carolina court.

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Source: Charleston Animal Society

Miraculously, Caitlyn managed to escape from her old home and from the man that treated her so terribly, and was found by the Charleston Animal Society, around 48 hours after herthe tape had been placed around her muzzle. By this point serious damage had already been done.The injured dog needed various surgical procedures and intensive care. However, just weeks later, the determined dog was back on her paws, and even managed to recover use of her jaw. With plenty of care and affection at the shelter, Caitlyn slowly recovered and gradually regained her trust in humans.As soon as she was healthy enough, the canine was quickly adopted by a loving family who is taking care of her and giving her all the attention that she deserves.[caption id="attachment_33674" align="alignnone" width="630"]

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Caitlyn, au moment de son sauvetage par l'association Charleston Animal Society. Source: Charleston Animal Society[/caption]Caitlyn's story reached the entire world, and the scars that she wears have become an international symbol of animal cruelty. After hearing about her ordeal, the American magazine 'People', even gave the dog the title of 'survivor of the year' in December 2015.

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Source: Charleston Animal Society

Charleston Animal Society described the response to her story on their Facebook page:

We have received many emails and comments about how much she has been an inspiration for people in abusive situations and with scars! Her bravery in the face of such abuse and her beautiful scars have given many people hope for change in their own lives!
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Source: Charleston Animal Society

Caitlyn's torturer received a sentence of 5 years in prison on March 24, the maximum sentence for animal cruelty charges in South Carolina. William Leonard Dodson pleaded guilty last August, explaining that he acted so cruelly because his dog 'wouldn't shut up'.The man had already been given a 15 year sentence for various other offences, including possession of illegal firearms and the sale of narcotics.

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Source: Charleston Animal Society

Luckily, Caitlyn was able to overcome her ordeal and find her forever home.If you would like to support Charleston Animal Society, the shelter that found and rescued her, you can make a donation, here.

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