Two New Jersey dogs, including three-month-old pit bull, ruthlessly burned with blowtorch
Animal rescuers believe two dogs were viciously set on fire with a blowtorch in New Jersey last week.
According to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, a 3-month-old pit bull named Tyler and a second unidentified dog were burned "a week ago" in the city of Paterson, located northwest of New York City. "A witness saw Tyler and another dog lit on fire, we suspect with a blowtorch," the group shared on Facebook on Monday. "The Good Samaritan who found Tyler attempted to treat his wounds for a week, but he was in pain and deteriorated, so he was brought to Oradell Animal Hospital last night."
Investigators are currently working with rescuers to determine what happened to the other pooch who was also burned, Fox News reports. "This occurred in a dangerous area known for drugs and dogfighting, an area that we have rescued other dogfighting victims from," the organization wrote.
Tyler, who was described as a "sweet and loving" puppy, had "incredibly graphic and severe wounds all over his tiny body."
Veterinarians had to cut away dead skin to treat Tyler's burn wounds after finding the skin near the burns had turned necrotic. "There is new skin growth in some areas, but in other areas doctors expect skin to die and the wounds to get worse before they get better, necessitating an extended hospitalization and treatment," rescuers wrote online.
Currently, Tyler is on fluids "to support his tiny body," but he "remains trusting towards his rescuers."
The group said it was "inconceivable that someone could do this to two living, breathing, feeling beings," saying they were heartbroken "knowing that Tyler was found critically injured and burned and his condition worsened before he was given relief."
"It is even more painful to imagine the fate of the other dog that was lit on fire. Tyler is a victim, yes, but he is also a hero as he speaks to the perseverance and forgiving nature of dogs, particularly pit bulls, who are by far the most abused, exploited and misunderstood breed," rescuers said.
The refuge has since joined hands with local animal rescue team Jersey Pits Rescue, which dedicates its efforts to help pit bulls in New Jersey, in order to help with Tyler's speedy recovery.
If you or anyone you know has any information pertaining to the incident, you are requested to call the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge at 201-337-5180 or the Paterson Police Department at 973-321-1111.