It’s deeply disturbing how cruel some individuals can be to animals. Recently, a heartbreaking incident involving a young puppy wrapped in duct tape unfolded, but fortunately, there is a positive ending to this tragic event.
On April 15, the Nebraska Humane Society shared the disturbing story. A concerned individual heard what sounded like an animal inside a dumpster and contacted Animal Control. Initially thinking it was a raccoon, the woman was horrified to discover it was actually a dog.
When Animal Control arrived, they found the puppy in terrible condition: his head and tail were completely wrapped in duct tape, and his legs were chained together. His fur was caked with food and debris. Kevin Wiederin, a staff member who responded to the call, said, “I’ve never seen anything like it. The entire muzzle was taped, and its paws were bound together with tape, including its eyes being covered.”
He added, “It’s unimaginable to harm a living creature, especially a helpless dog, and then discard it like trash. It made me feel physically sick.”
Thankfully, the puppy was found in time. Just 30 minutes after Animal Control had been contacted, a truck arrived to empty the dumpster. The dog was quickly transported to the Nebraska Humane Society, where he was put under anesthesia so the staff could begin removing the tape. They also had to shave off his fur to clean off the grime.
Despite his ordeal, the puppy, who was later named Leo, was in surprisingly good spirits. He was wagging his tail and appeared healthy, though he had minor skin irritation from the tape. The Humane Society shared on Facebook that Leo seemed to be in good condition overall.
Most remarkably, they discovered a microchip, and soon, Leo’s worried owner, Erin Dillon-Pasillas, was found. Erin had been frantic for days after Leo ran away while she was taking her son to school. She had been calling shelters daily, desperately hoping for news of her beloved dog.
Erin recalled, “I was shaking every time I called. I kept praying, ‘Please be my dog, please be my dog.’” When she learned Leo had been found, Erin was overwhelmed with relief and joy. “He’s the cutest puppy ever! I don’t understand why anyone would do this to him,” she said.
Erin promised Leo a thorough bath and a vet checkup as soon as he recovered. The identity of the person responsible for this cruelty remains unknown. The Nebraska Humane Society has stated that there are no cameras around the location where Leo was discovered and is offering a $1,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.
Though it’s heart-wrenching to think of what Leo endured, we’re thankful that he’s back home, safe and sound. We hope the person responsible is found and held accountable for this cruelty.
