Abused dog found wandering in desert

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A badly abused dog, forced to wear a spiked collar possibly used as a torture device was found wandering the desert, something an Albuquerque shelter says is becoming all too common.

Over 5,000 dogs end up at Animal Humane New Mexico each year, many of them are victims of dog fighting and hoarding.

Adoptions Manager Trevor Driggs says the state’s laws are either too tough to enforce or not strict enough.

William, an American Pit Bull, is the shelter’s latest victim.

William was found with scars all over him, scars believed to be caused by fights with other dogs or from the owner themselves, an owner that may be hard to catch.

The homemade spiked-collar William was found wearing was thought to be used deliberately to make the dog hurt himself whenever he would go to lick or look at something on his body. 

With the help of Animal Humane dogs like William will get a second change, but Driggs says saving these animals depends on people tipping off animal control when they suspect a pet is being abused. 

William will be treated for his injuries and eventually go up for adoption.

Animal activists say owners who use their dogs to fight, often hold these fights in discreet locations.