Teen Allegedly Tried to Break Dog’s Neck with Baseball Bat. Now He’s Facing Animal Cru*lty Charges

Bailey, a 3-year-old pitbull, had been starved and had a skull fracture when Pennsylvania State Troopers found her, according to authorities.

A teenager in Pennsylvania is facing animal cruelty charges after an incident involving a dog, according to authorities. Officials say the case has prompted an investigation into what happened and the circumstances surrounding it.

On Monday, March 2, shortly before 10 p.m., Pennsylvania State Troopers responded to a Williamsburg borough home in Blair County found a severely beaten dog bleeding and suffering from serious head wounds, according to a Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Release Report obtained by PEOPLE.

The investigation revealed that a juvenile, later determined to be a 17-year-old boy from Altoona, had allegedly tried to break the dog’s neck and repeatedly struck the dog over the head with a metal baseball bat.

The teen, who was not publicly named because he is a minor, was charged with animal cruelty-related offenses.

The dog, named Bailey, was taken to a veterinary clinic and to the Central PA Humane Society with a fractured skull, where she has been healing from the attack and abuse.

In a Facebook post on March 12, the Central PA Humane Society wrote that Bailey weighed just 25 pounds when she arrived.

“She had been starved, but that was not even the worst part of what she endured,” the post read, with a heading of “Warning: Animal Cruelty,” at the top.

According to the post, Bailey was tied up by her hind legs after a failed strangulation attempt, hit in the skull with a baseball bat causing a skull fracture, then struck again with a pickaxe followed by having her head smashed into concrete.

Employees said the 3-year-old dog had cuts on top of her head that needed stitches.

“Thankfully, someone saw something and called authorities,” the post read. “Miraculously, Bailey was still alive when help arrived.”

Initially she was put on “cage rest” while she healed from the skull fractures, and is now on medications for pain, inflammation and recovery, along with a strict feeding schedule to help her gain weight safely.

Another dog, Bailey’s sibling, was found dead in a box “due to neglect and starvation,” the post alleged, adding that the humane society wants to raise money to dedicate a portion of their new shelter in the dog’s memory.

“Despite everything she has endured, Bailey is still the sweetest dog and has shown us no hesitation in accepting love and care,” the post read.

The Central PA Humane Society welcomes donations to help animals like Bailey.

“For those who do not have a voice, we will be that voice,” the post read.

“Bailey’s story is one of heartbreak, survival, and hope,” the shelter wrote in a separate March 23 post. “After enduring unimaginable cruelty, starvation, and severe injuries, Bailey is now safe, healing, and finally learning what love feels like. Her journey is a powerful reminder of why this work matters and why your support is so important.”

Comments on the posts about Bailey show that the community is sickened and outraged at the abuse she and other other animals have suffered at the hands of humans.

“Its a miracle this poor dog is alive,” one comment read. “She must have such will to live and thankful to whoever was able to help her. Sure hope justice will be served.”

Another commenter wrote, “Wth is wrong with ppl? Prayers to Bailey, keep fighting.”