Dog 'Spartacus' stabbed in South LA; suspect identified

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A dog is on the mend after being attacked in South Los Angeles. A suspect has been identified.

Spartacus, also known as Sparky, survived several knife wounds thanks to the help of Ghetto Rescue Foundation and the veterinarians at The Pet Care Center. He underwent two hours of surgery and received over 1,000 stitches.

The Animal Cruelty Task Force has identified a suspect and is investigating the case. The family says the dog was attacked by a neighbor, someone who simply does not like pit bulls.

Spartacus was hit over the head with a shovel and had deep cuts to his face, neck and back.

According to a hospital official, animal cruelty is not uncommon in the area.

The attack was unprovoked, officials said. Exact details on when or where the dog's stabbing occurred were not immediately known.