Teen facing animal cruelty charges

Bailey, a 3-year-old pitbull and the injuries she sustained when a teen allegedly hit her in the head with a metal bat.Credit : Central PA Humane Society (2)

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A Pennsylvania teen is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly striking a dog’s head with a metal bat, according to police
In early March, Pennsylvania State Troopers found Bailey, a 3-year-old pitbull, starving and with severe head wounds in a Williamsburg borough home
Another dog, Bailey’s sibling, was found dead in a box “due to neglect and starvation,” the Central PA Humane Society alleged in a Facebook post

A Pennsylvania teen is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly trying to break a female pitbull’s neck by repeatedly hitting her in the head with a metal baseball bat, authorities announced.

On Monday, March 2, shortly before 10 p.m., Pennsylvania State Troopers responded to a Williamsburg borough home in Blair County found a severely beaten dog bleeding and suffering from serious head wounds, according to a Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Report obtained by PEOPLE.

The investigation revealed that a juvenile, later determined to be a 17-year-old boy from Altoona, had allegedly tried to break the dog’s neck and repeatedly struck the dog over the head with a metal baseball bat.

The teen, who was not publicly named because he is a minor, was charged with animal cruelty-related offenses.

The dog, named Bailey, was taken to a veterinary clinic and to the Central PA Humane Society with a fractured skull, where she has been healing from the attack and abuse.

In a Facebook post on March 12, the Central PA Humane Society wrote that Bailey weighed just 25 pounds when she arrived.

“She had been starved, but that was not even the worst part of what she endured,” the post read, with a heading of “Warning: Animal Cruelty,” at the top.

According to the post, Bailey was tied up by her hind legs after a failed strangulation attempt, hit in the skull with a baseball bat causing a skull fracture, then struck again with a pickaxe followed by having her head smashed into concrete.

Employees said the 3-year-old dog had cuts on top of her head that needed stitches.

“Thankfully, someone saw something and called authorities,” the post read. “Miraculously, Bailey was still alive when help arrived.”

Initially she was put on “cage rest” while she healed from the skull fractures, and is now on medications for pain, inflammation and recovery, along with a strict feeding schedule to help her gain weight safely.

Another dog, Bailey’s sibling, was found dead in a box “due to neglect and starvation,” the post alleged, adding that the humane society wants to raise money to dedicate a portion of their new shelter in the dog’s memory.

“Despite everything she has endured, Bailey is still the sweetest dog and has shown us no hesitation in accepting love and care,” the post read.

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The Central PA Humane Society welcomes donations to help animals like Bailey.

“For those who do not have a voice, we will be that voice,” the post read.

“Bailey’s story is one of heartbreak, survival, and hope,” the shelter wrote in a separate March 23 post. “After enduring unimaginable cruelty, starvation, and severe injuries, Bailey is now safe, healing, and finally learning what love feels like. Her journey is a powerful reminder of why this work matters and why your support is so important.”

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Comments on the posts about Bailey show that the community is sickened and outraged at the abuse she and other other animals have suffered at the hands of humans.

“Its a miracle this poor dog is alive,” one comment read. “She must have such will to live and thankful to whoever was able to help her. Sure hope justice will be served.”

Another commenter wrote, “Wth is wrong with ppl? Prayers to Bailey, keep fighting.”