Dog stabbed in Santa Paula listed in stable condition

SANTA PAULA, Calif. (KABC) -- A dog was taken to the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center in stable condition after being found suffering from multiple stab wounds to his neck and abdomen.

The injured 2-year-old male American pit bull terrier named T-Rex was found bleeding profusely near the area of Saticoy Street and North 14th Street Friday night. Santa Paula police say T-Rex was stabbed five times.

Investigators said it appears the suspect, or suspects, let T-Rex and two other dogs out from the backyard of their owners home and then repeatedly stabbed him.

Veterinary staff applied pressure bandages in an effort to stop the bleeding and transported T-Rex to an emergency facility. He underwent extensive surgery Saturday morning.

Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team, or START Rescue, is offering a $1,000 reward to the person who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects responsible for the stabbing. The reward was increased to $2,000 on Sunday.

Anyone with further information was urged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department at (805) 525-4474 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477.