York police searching for suspects after finding puppy tied to tree, tongue cut out

A dog was found tied up outside in freezing weather after a woman reported hearing whimpering from the woods on Madison Street in York.

The dog, a pitbull/lab mix now named Briggs, was likely used for fighting, according to a York police report.

York County Animal Control later told police the dog’s tongue had been cut out.

The dog was taken to Noah’s Arks Rescue in Ridgeland, where he is being cared for in a 24-hour intensive care unit, according to the non-profit’s website.

The dog’s mouth is infected, so he is getting nutrients through a feeding tube, the website says.

The dog was found Nov. 19 and officers are still investigating the case, according to York police officials.

The woman who found Briggs, Bayleigh Allen of York, told Charlotte’s WBTV she called 911 when she saw a group of people who looked like they were fighting. The group ran when she and her boyfriend flashed their headlights at them, Allen told WBTV.

Police found the dog tied up to a tree without food or water in 30-degree weather, the police report says.

Noah’s Arks Rescue website says Briggs is covered in scars and bites from fights, but is healing. The non-profit says it’s possible for dogs to learn to eat and drink without a tongue in time.

Anyone with information on his case should contact the York Police Department at 803-684-4141.

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 5:29 PM with the headline "York police searching for suspects after finding puppy tied to tree, tongue cut out."