24/7 LiveRaleighDurhamFayettevilleSurrounding Area

PHOTOS: Dog found with muzzle taped shut

WTVD logo
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Caitlyn spent two hours in surgery on Wednesday, and doctors say they had to take less of her tongue than originally expected.
Caitlyn spent two hours in surgery on Wednesday, and doctors say they had to take less of her tongue than originally expected.
"Functionally, I think she'll be able to lap up food and water and do really well," Dr. Henry Bianucci said a day before the surgery, according to WCIV TV.
"Functionally, I think she'll be able to lap up food and water and do really well," Dr. Henry Bianucci said a day before the surgery, according to WCIV TV.
Doctors said that once Caitlyn's wounds have healed the dog should be able to do all the things she would need to do normally.
Doctors said that once Caitlyn's wounds have healed the dog should be able to do all the things she would need to do normally.
Caitlyn, a 15-month-old pit bull mix, was found outside its former owner's home with its mouth bound shut with electrical tape.
Caitlyn, a 15-month-old pit bull mix, was found outside its former owner's home with its mouth bound shut with electrical tape.
It is believed the dog had her mouth taped shut for as much as 48 hours before she received care at Charleston Animal Society.
It is believed the dog had her mouth taped shut for as much as 48 hours before she received care at Charleston Animal Society.
The dog has lost a quarter of its tongue because of the abuse, but is responding well to treatment.
The dog has lost a quarter of its tongue because of the abuse, but is responding well to treatment.
"Functionally, I think she'll be able to lap up food and water and do really well," Dr. Henri Bianucci of the Veterinary Specialty Care in Mount Pleasant, S.C. said.
"Functionally, I think she'll be able to lap up food and water and do really well," Dr. Henri Bianucci of the Veterinary Specialty Care in Mount Pleasant, S.C. said.
William Leonard Dodson, 41, faces charges of ill treatment of an animal involving torture and a punishment of up to five years in jail.
William Leonard Dodson, 41, faces charges of ill treatment of an animal involving torture and a punishment of up to five years in jail.
1 of 16
Caitlyn spent two hours in surgery on Wednesday, and doctors say they had to take less of her tongue than originally expected.
WCIV TV/ABC News 4
Report a correction or typo
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Watch Live
ON NOW

Top Stories

New data to shape Durham's plan to fight, reduce violence

  • 3 hours ago

RDU travelers adapt as summer demand surges and ongoing construction

Durham plans new playgrounds as five parks stay closed

Heating up quickly into the weekend

NCDOT shows off progress in construction of rail S-Line project

  • 2 hours ago

Canes' Stanley Cup Final run pours millions into Wake County

Fayetteville mayor concerned over 911 services merger proposal

Wake County seeks input on opioid settlement spending

ABC11 Raleigh-Durham
Topics
HomeWeatherTrafficWatchPhotosApps
Regions
RaleighDurhamFayettevilleSurrounding Area
More Content
U.S. & WorldNorth CarolinaABC11 I-TeamABC11 TroubleshooterEntertainmentSweepstakes
Company
About ABC11Contact UsSend us your photos & videosABC11 TogetherEvents CalendarTV ListingsAccessibilityEmployment
Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Choices
Children's Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Terms of Use
Interest-Based Ads
Public Inspection File
FCC Applications
Copyright © 2026 ABC, Inc., WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham. All Rights Reserved.