White terrier found wandering leads to animal cruelty investigation in Caroline

CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an animal cruelty case after a deputy found a white terrier wandering the Carmel Church area.

On Thursday, Sept. 4, the sheriff's office said that Caroline County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Deputy Bullock responded to a call in the Belmont area of Carmel Church, where a concerned citizen reported a small, injured white terrier wandering the neighborhood.

According to authorities, the dog looked "frightened and in distress." Bullock soon took the dog into custody, and it was taken to a local veterinary clinic for "urgent evaluation."

Bands had reportedly been tightly wrapped around the dog's muzzle, "likely in a cruel attempt to stop the dog from barking," the sheriff's office said.

(Photo Courtesy: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office)

(Photo Courtesy: Caroline County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities added that these bands had "grown deeply into the dog’s skin, causing raw, painful wounds across its face."

“The cruelty inflicted on this innocent animal is disturbing and unacceptable," Sheriff Scott Moser said. Our Animal Control Division will use every resource available to identify and hold accountable the individual responsible.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Bullock at 804-633-5400.