Dog found with duct tape on muzzle and open wounds euthanized

HOUSTON -- A female German shepherd that was found on the side of a Houston road with several open wounds and duct tape around its muzzle has been put down.

Authorities called the finding a clear case of animal cruelty.

The Houston SPCA veterinary team discovered the dog was suffering from head trauma, had her muzzle taped closed and had multiple tumors with punctures.

Houston SPCA said it worked to ease the dog's pain, but it was determined that she could not be saved.

"Dogs get dumped on the side of the road all the time. Unfortunately the duct tape issue is a rare occurrence and it does happen," Sgt. Christine Kendrick said. "People sometimes will duct tape the dog because they bark too much and things like that, but it really causes an extensive amount of damage to the skin and the tissue of the dog. So, it's certainly nothing that's acceptable."

A $5,000 reward was being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information was asked to call the Houston SPCA at (713)869-7722.