Portage APL looking for person who they say tortured, killed and threw dog out like trash

RAVENNA, Ohio - The Portage Animal Protective League is looking for the person they say tortured and killed a dog, then left the animal's body in an empty parking lot.

Ravenna police called Portage APL to the scene Tuesday night after authorities got a call about the dead pitbull.

Police Lt. Richard Bennett doesn't believe the animal was abused, rather suggested the female pitbull may have starved or froze to death. But APL humane officers think very differently.

The APL said the female dog had been strangled and tortured, then left in the grass of an empty parking lot surrounded by trash behind the Italian Club at the corner of South Chestnut Street and Hazen Avenue.

"An APL humane officer named (the dog) Mercy, which is what she deserved but did not receive," said Portage APL executive director Chalan Lowry in a news release.

We can't show you photos because they are too graphic. The APL said the dog had a TV cable tightly embedded in her neck and extra cable wrapped all around her body. A rope was hanging out of her mouth and officials said based on her body condition, she had also been dragged by a vehicle. 

Lowry said they are the experts on these crimes and everything they saw indicates animal cruelty.

"The photos take your breath away. No matter how much abuse you see, you are still nauseated, sad and angry at acts like this. The people who do things like this live among us, and may have children or other pets. It makes me sick!" said Lowry. "Please help us get justice for Mercy."

Portage APL is asking anyone who knows something about Mercy's abusers to anonymously call them at (330) 296-4022 ext. 102.