Authorities Looking For Answers After German Shepard Found With Muzzle Tightly Taped Shut

SOUTHEAST, NY — A gruesome discover has authorities in Putnam County asking the public for help,

A young female German Shepherd found abandoned in the Town of Southeast with her muzzle taped shut is now at Brewster Veterinary Hospital as the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division investigates an apparent animal cruelty incident.

According to the Putnam County SPCA, Good Samaritans found the dog on Sept. 15, at about 8 a.m. at a business in the area on Starr Ridge Road.

The dog’s muzzle area was tightly wrapped with what appeared to be black electrical tape, according to the SPCA. The people at the business immediately helped the dog and took her to Brewster Veterinary Hospital.

The Putnam County SPCA said it was then that they notified and responded to the hospital to begin an investigation.

During the initial examination, significant swelling, irritation and injuries were observed around the dog’s muzzle, according to the SPCA. Abrasions were also found on the front and back of the dog’s neck in the area where a collar would normally rest.

The injuries raised concerns that the dog may have previously worn an embedded collar that had been removed before she was abandoned, according to the SPCA. The agency described the case as "an apparent animal cruelty incident" and said its Law Enforcement Division is actively investigating.

The dog remains under veterinary care.

The agency is asking the public for help identifying the dog and tracing where she may have come from. Anyone who recognizes the dog, has information about her owner or recent whereabouts, or saw suspicious activity in the Starr Ridge Road area is being asked to contact the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement Division at 845-520-6915.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to the SPCA.