"I never would have expected this," said Animal Protective Officer Craig Baxter as he stood next to Radar, who was busy nuzzling fellow officer Cheryl Shaw, wagging his tail as he licked her face with his long tongue.
Baxter said that because he had responded to Caln Township Police Officer Joseph Caboni's call, he was the one who transported the dog, which was in great pain, to the West Chester Veterinary Medical Center.
"I was the bad guy; he didn't want anything to do with me the first couple of days," Baxter said.
During an examination Monday, veterinarian Scott Humphries determined that the dog's injuries, which included multiple puncture wounds, a muzzle swollen to twice its size, and visible ribs and spine, had been caused by a dogfight.
The findings prompted a new initiative.
"The Chester County SPCA wants the public to know that 'Dog Fighting Is on Our Radar,' and we are actively seeking information regarding dogfighting in Chester County," said Rich Britton, a spokesman for the independent nonprofit group.
Shaw said dogfighting had existed in Chester County for years and was difficult to police without help from the public.
Britton said signs might include an inordinate number of pit bulls in one location, dogs that are chained and seem unsocialized, and dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, hind end, and thighs.
"This dog and this breed are unfairly painted as monsters," Britton said. "It's the people who abuse these animals who are the real monsters."
Britton said anyone with information could provide it anonymously and is encouraged to call 610-692-6113, ext. 213. Each count of felony animal cruelty carries with it a $15,000 fine, up to seven years in prison, or both, Britton said.
Shaw said Radar's remarkable turnaround offsets some of the appalling abuse she observes on the job.
