Hollywood Police are searching for those responsible for severely injuring a pit bull-terrier mix and leaving him for dead trapped within a suitcase at an abandoned building.
The 2-year-old dog, now named Ollie, is recovering from surgery and was set to undergo a second surgery Wednesday to stitch up stab wounds to his chest.
Officers responded to a call at about 1 a.m. on Tuesday at 1945 Lee Street. When they arrived, officers found a dog paw sticking out of a suitcase.
"Officers heard a dog cry come from within the suitcase. Inside the suitcase, a pit bull was found with severe lacerations to the top of his head and body," Miranda Grossman, the Hollywood Police Department's public information manager, said in a statement.
The dog was transported to the VCA Hollywood Animal Hospital, where doctors said Ollie was stabbed possibly multiple times and beaten.
Doctors said he suffered 20 or 30 wounds to his chest and legs alone.
A GoFundMe page was started by the Grateful Paws Dog & Cat Rescue organization to help cover Ollie's veterinary expenses.
Local
"The general opinion is that he will be OK. He is in the best care and best place possible," the organization wrote in a statement. "We are looking for a foster or adoptive home for him for when he is released from the hospital ... he is as sweet as can be."
This photo contains imagery that some viewers may find disturbing.
Click to view.
Dr. Nicole Patterson, associate veterinarian at VCA, said that this case is "probably one of the worst abuse cases I’ve ever seen."
"The wounds are really bad so he’s definitely not out of the woods yet," Patterson said.
Ollie does not have a chip implant and was wearing a collar without a tag when found.
Despite the horror Ollie has been through, he remains pleasant while recovering.
"He was still up and wagging his tail this morning with all his bandages on, he’s just still very happy and wanting to be loved on," Patterson added.
A nearby resident said it is likely that the perpetrator of this crime is also from the area.
"It would have to be someone maybe from the area because only we know that that house is abandoned," Michael Rutger said.
Others are concerned there is an animal abuser on the loose.
"I almost started crying because I have two dogs of my own and I never want that to happen!" Elena Rodriguez said.
Update: Ollie passed away on Oct. 13.
