Dog found with muzzle taped shut faces long road to recovery

• This text message can crash your iPhone
• Dad of son found dead in swing speaks
• Police make example of 'homeless' man begging with $800 in pockets
• Crazy photos: Texas mall flooding leaves workers stranded
• Illinois couple welcomes 100th grandchild

Warning: This story contains graphic images.

A horrific case of animal abuse is generating a great deal of discussion on social media, as well-wishers offer support for a stray dog that was found with its muzzle taped shut.

The Charleston Animal Society is taking care of the 15-month-old Staffordshire mix, which has been named  Caitlyn.

The dog faces life-threatening injuries  because the electrical tape cut off blood flow to her tongue.  The dog is believed to have had its muzzle taped shut for up to 48 hours.

“This is the most malicious case of animal abuse I have seen in my entire career,” Charleston Animal Society Director of Anti-Cruelty & Outreach Aldwin Roman said.

However, the latest Facebook update offered a glimmer of hope.

The Charleston Animal Society said Thursday that Caitlyn is “doing well given her condition” and was to be taken to a specialty facility for further treatment on Friday.

The dog was well known in the neighborhood, and was known to be very friendly.

The society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.  If convicted of ill treatment of an animal, the guilty person could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Warning: Graphic images