'I started panicking': Woman mourns pit bull found in Apex with burn injuries

A family dog that went missing last week was later euthanized when it was found with burns covering over 60% of its body.

Posted 2:43 a.m. Aug 1 — Updated 9:36 p.m. Aug 1

Shelle Jackson

, WRAL reporter

APEX, N.C. — A family dog that went missing last week was later euthanized when it was found with burns covering over 60% of its body.

Wake County Animal Control was called to Stephenson Road in Apex on July 27 where they found a severely injured tan pit bull, 2-year-old Choppa, with serious burn injuries. The Wake County Sheriff's Office launched an animal cruelty investigation.

Family members said Choppa went missing while he was staying with his owner's cousin at a home on Goolsby Court.

The dog's owner, Shantika Horton, said Choppa was chained in her cousin's backyard before he went missing. She was unsure if Choppa busted through the chain or if someone took him.

"She called me in the morning and she told me when she went out there to go and feed him he wasn't on the chain," Horton said.

A man spotted Choppa minutes away from the cousin's home and called police. About a day later, despite extensive treatment at an emergency clinic, Choppa had to be put down.

"I started panicking," Horton described. "He was all bloody, bruised. His face was bloodied up, he was bleeding on his legs, he was bleeding on his arms ... he tried to lift his paw up and give me his paw but he couldn't do it, he was in so much pain."

Horton described her beloved pit bull as harmless and sweet. Horton said she has had Choppa since he was five months old and characterized her as a sweet, gentle pup

"He loved kids, he loved people. Anybody who came near him he was just playful with them," she said.

The four-year-old pitbull was euthanized after he was found by Wake County Animal Control with severe burns on over 60% of his body. NOTE: this is a photo of Choppa before he was found with burns.

Authorities said Choppa's injuries appeared to be intentional and there was a chemical smell on him. The Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person who injured Choppa.

"We want people to come forward, we want people to talk," said founder and president Brandon Boyd. "This is a reward that I want to pay. The person who did this must be brought to justice."

“If you know something, no matter how small it may seem, that will help catch the person(s) who might be responsible for this heartbreaking and most heinous crime, do not hesitate to call our office,” Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe said.

Wake County Animal Services Director Dr. Jennifer Federico added, “We want to ensure that what happened to Choppa never happens to another pet. Remember, if you are concerned about any animal, please call your local Animal Control or 911.”

"If we don't do something then who will?" Boyd said.

Anyone with information was also asked to contact Wake County Investigator Thompson at 919-856-6800.

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