Bait Dog Rescued in a Severely Injured Condition
Although Florida law classifies baiting animals and forcing them to fight as a third-degree felony, many individuals still engage in the cruel practice of dogfighting.
Sunshine Animal Rescue in Miami, Florida, recently shared a heartbreaking story about a young male dog who was used for brutal dogfighting in Florida and subsequently abandoned on a deserted street. The rescue team discovered the dog, covered in wounds and visibly malnourished while patrolling an area known for animal dumping in South Florida.
A video of the dog’s rescue shared on Tiktok on October 20 captures the moment the rescue team were in a car driving up to a black dog standing on a desolate street. As the rescue team approached the dog, the dog happily walked up to them with a hopeful look in his eyes as if he has been hoping for a saviour. Gruesome marks of dog fighting with deep wounds and lacerations can be seen all over the body of dog who looks visibly distressed.
Despite the horrific abuse he had endured, the dog first named Hersh by the team but later renamed Trooper remained trusting and gentle.
The rescue team described the dog’s condition, stating, “At first, we thought he might be another stray, but then reality hit us hard—he had been used in dogfighting, chewed up from head to toe, his belly and the insides of his legs torn up. His body tells a story of pain and cruelty, but his spirit? Still so kind, so gentle.”
“Despite everything he’s been through, this sweet boy came right up to our car, looking for help—trusting, hoping. It’s unimaginable how after so much abuse, he still believes in kindness.”
In a subsequebnt update, the rescue team revealed Troopers was taken to a veterinarian where it was discovered that the dog was suffering from a multitude of health issues, including Leptospirosis, heartworm, tapeworm, roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm. The dog’s life was in critical danger, and intensive treatment was required.
“Trooper (formerly Hersh) is currently at Town and Country Animal Hospital, receiving crtitcal treatment after suurviving unimaginable abuse. His body tells a heartbreaking story of the sufering he endured, but now he’s finally safe and beginning his long road to recovery,” the update reads
Sunshine Animal Rescue however, is appealing for donations to cover Trooper’s medical expenses and to support their ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in South Florida. They are also urging the public to be vigilant and to never give animals to just anyone.
“This is more footage of his rescue,” the team wrote in a subsequent update. “Volunteers dropped him off under the name Hersh, but we think Trooper might be a better final name for this sweet and tough baby. He is at town and country animal hospital. Please make a donation to the vet under our rescues account or link in bio. We will update in the morning, we are getting more photos of the sweet boy at the vet tonight.”
Trooper’s story has garnered widespread attention and sympathy. Many have expressed outrage at the cruelty inflicted on Trooper and have called for stricter laws against dog fighting.
“Oh this broke my heart, my fave dog was also a rescue from dog fighting, you can tell hes going to be an amazing pet. i hope he finds the family meant to heal his heart. he also needs justice,” one user shared.
“I don’t understand how people could do this to any animal. Especially a dog it’s absolutely heartbreaking,” another added
Dogfighting is illegal in most parts of the United States, but it remains a persistent problem in some areas. Dogs used for fighting are often subjected to extreme cruelty, including being starved, beaten, and drugged. Many of them suffer from severe injuries and mental trauma.
@sunshineanimalrescue Today at the rock pit, our volunteers came across a heartbreaking sight. A male pup was wandering, looking lost and broken. At first, we thought he might be another stray, but then reality hit us hard—he had been used in dog fighting, chewed up from head to toe, his belly and the insides of his legs torn up. His body tells a story of pain and cruelty, but his spirit? Still so kind, so gentle. Despite everything he’s been through, this sweet boy came right up to our car, looking for help—trusting, hoping. It’s unimaginable how after so much abuse, he still believes in kindness. We’ve been rescuing animals from this area, a place where unwanted pets are dumped, trying to TNR cats and provide supplies for businesses to care for these forgotten souls. But nothing could have prepared us for this moment. Our hearts shattered as we realized just how alive and thriving dog fighting still is here in South Florida. We are bursting at the seams with rescues, running out of space and resources, but we couldn’t just drive away. Not from him. We need your help more than ever. Please, if this post does anything, let it remind you to never give animals to just anyone. Vet them. Otherwise, this is what happens. He’s suffered so much, but he still has hope. Let’s show him that kindness wins. We can’t do it without you. Donate now to help save him and so many others like him. Link in bio💔😞 #animals #petsofinstagram #rescuedogs #dog #dogsoftiktok #puppies #puppiesofig #adoptdontshop #shelterpets #rescuedanimals #doglover #animalrescue #animallovers #animalcare #doglife #petstagram #animalshelter #adoptme ♬ original sound – xavier
