Dog Found With Face, Lung, Leg Injuries; South Coatesville Man Charged

SOUTH COATESVILLE —A 33-year-old South Coatesville borough man is in Chester County Prison Thursday, charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after his pit bull terrier, “Ava,” was found in his home with injuries to her face, lungs and back leg.

Curtis Bacon was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Gregory Hines on multiple counts of cruelty to animals.
A good Samaritan reported to South Coatesville police Tuesday that he heard a dog crying and yelping in pain, officials said.
When officers arrived, police said, they found the dog emaciated, with multiple wounds, including a severed back leg.
The dog was rushed to the Veterinary Referral Center Emergency Pet Care And Hospital in Malvern for treatment.
While Ava was in the hospital, the veterinarians found older fractures, lung damage, and broken teeth. One of Ava's eyes was severely damaged. She had a back leg surgically amputated, according to Sara Smith, spokeswoman for the Brandywine SPCA.
Sarah Fatula, medical director at the emergency pet center, said Ava has been sweet and eating well.

Search for a new home

While Ava was in the pet hospital, the Brandywine Valley SPCA was searching for a foster home to care for Ava during recovery.

“It’s a miracle Ava survived with the type of injuries she has sustained,” Adam Lamb, chief executive officer of Brandywine Valley SPCA, said. “ It’s sickening to think about the trauma she’s endured, and we are committed to providing her with the medical attention and care she needs to heal both physically and emotionally.”
“Ava deserves more than this abuse, and we are doing everything we can to get justice for her and make sure no other animals suffer the same fate at the hands of her abuser.”
By Thursday afternoon, an SPCA volunteer stepped up to foster Ava through her recovery. To support Ava’s care, donations are being accepted here.