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Search underway for person who cut dog's ears, left him for dead

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Veterinarians say someone chopped a puppy's ears and left him with dozens of wounds all over his body.

Police said whoever did this could face animal cruelty charges.

Fayette County Animal Control officials sent Channel 2’s Rikki Klaus photos from when they first picked up Severide, a pit bull puppy.

Now he's healing and giving hugs.

Klaus met up with Severide and his foster mother at her Sharpsburg home. His wounds already showing great signs of healing.

"He's still very afraid of loud noises, sudden movements," Angels Among Us Pet Rescue volunteer Cris Folchitto said.

An animal control officer told Klaus that on Feb. 14, a group of construction workers at a Fayetteville job site discovered the dog, in bad shape.

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Animal control said a veterinarian determined the dog's ears were cropped, likely in a home job.

"I think it's inhumane," Folchitto told Klaus.

He had puncture wounds, from an animal attack, on his head, necks and legs.

"It does break your heart," Folchitto said.

Folchitto pulled Severide from the shelter.

"He is absolutely sweet," Folchitto told Klaus.

She's giving him treats, antibiotics and love.

"There's no better experience than seeing dogs like this healing, emotionally and physically," Folchitto said.

Severide's ears were badly infected.

Angels Among Us said he could by susceptible to infections all his life, since the inner ears are exposed.

He is available for adoption.