The Cave

Gangs in South LA make pens from concrete and wood that look like little caves.  They chain dogs in this structure to be used in fighting rings.  After they tie them inside, the opening is covered with plywood to keep the animals from people’s view.  AAPA volunteers monitor “the cave” for hidden animals.  Rio was found here.

AAPA volunteer monitors “the cave” for hidden animals.  Rio was found here.

We call him “Rio”

Rio is a big beautiful Rottweiller, about 6 months old.  AAPA staff members found him tied in heavy chains padlocked to his neck.  Rio could barely lift his head due to the heavy weight of the chains and padlock. 

After about 45 minutes of cutting on the chains and locks, Rio was finally free.  There was nothing left of him but skin and bones and a broken spirit. He was taken to a vet to treat the severe gangrene infection around his neck where the chains had imbedded into his skin.  Rio was taken to Melanie Holmes, an AAPA volunteer who provided a foster home.  She and other volunteers bathed, fed and loved him every day.  He was so afraid and sad that he hid next to the refrigerator and would not come out on his own for 6 days.  He wobbled when he walked due to the lack of strength from malnutrition.  He couldn’t lift his head due his neck muscles being so weak from the heavy chains.  After a couple of weeks, he began to wag his tail and eat from our hands.  He is getting stronger and more trusting everyday.  He lives with the Holmes in a 4  bedroom house along with two other companion animal friends, a Great Dane mix named “Blue” and a cat named “Cleo”. 

Although AAPA has not caught the culprits in action, we watch and check the “caves” frequently.

 E-Mail toaapa@hotmail.com

Copyright © 1999 Animal Abuse Prevention Agency, Inc.

Last modified May, 2003