LINTHICUM, Md. (WUSA) -- Anne Arundel County Police say that animal control officers and animal hospital staff determined that a severely injured dog picked up earlier this month had been used as a "bait dog."
According to police, someone called animal control on Feb. 2 about an injured pit bull in the 600 block of Andover Road in Linthicum. An animal control officer brought the dog to a shelter. The dog, named Rocky Road, was in severe pain and had difficulty moving around, and staff determined that he needed either humane euthanasia or immediate veterinary attention.
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They contacted the Waugh Chapel Animal Hospital. The hospital examined Rocky Road and determined the injuries were consistent with injuries of a dog used as a "bait dog" to train other dogs to fight.
Rocky Road had surgery on Feb. 3 and his condition has stabilized. He is expected to remain for a few weeks at Waugh Chapel Animal Hospital. Once Rocky Road is medically ready, non profit rescue group Tara's House will take him in and screen potential adopters when the dog has recovered enough to begin that process.
Police say they are still investigating how the dog sustained the injuries and who may be responsible.
If you have information, please call Metro Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text "MCS plus your message" to CRIMES (274637). Phone calls are not recorded and callers remain anonymous.