Dead dog with mouth taped shut found in South Carolina

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – The disturbing image has been shared across social media.

The picture shows several layers of white duct tape wrapped around the mouth of a dead black lab.

Orangeburg County Animal Control believes the dog was about 2-years-old.

The lab was found on Yale Street, just outside of the towns of Springfield and Salley.

It’s a long dirt road in the middle of nowhere.

Officials don’t know who left the dog there or how long its mouth had been taped shut, but the investigation has now been turned over to the sheriff’s office.

Investigators are using crime scene forensics to see if any evidence, like fingerprints, is on the tape.

The case brings back memories of another South Carolina animal cruelty case.

Last Summer, three dogs were found with their muzzles taped shut in McCormick County.

The owner turned the dogs over and they are now in new homes.

The similar cases show a trend of animal abuse in the South.

The Humane Society of the United States is asking the public to come forward with information about the dead Orangeburg County dog.

The organization is offering a $5,000 reward.

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, South Carolina ranks 36th for animal cruelty laws.

The best state is Illinois and the worst is Kentucky.