Horry County police respond after dog harmed

Horry County police are investigating after a woman came home and found her dog in distress and suffering from chemical burns, Lt. Raul Denis, Horry County police, said.

Officers were called about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday to a home on the 500 block of Bridgeport Drive, near the Forestbrook area, where a 27-year-old woman reported the incident on behalf of her pit bull, Buddha, according to a police report.

The woman said she was away from her home on May 6 from about 12:30 to 2 p.m., and Buddha was secured outside on a leash attached to a stake in the ground, police said.

When she got back home, she found Buddha in “obvious distress,” according to the report.

As days went by, the woman said Buddha’s condition continued to worsen, so the dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian on Sunday, police said.

An examination revealed Buddha had potential chemical burns on his back and had an infection from the burns.

The dog’s condition is being treated aggressively, and skin grafts and cosmetic surgery is possible, police said.

Authorities said Buddha’s treatment costs have reached $300 and are expected to mount as Buddha is home resting.

Police said the backyard of the area is an open space, not secured by a fence. Authorities also noted that Buddha was secured by a lease while his owner was away, so he did not pose a threat to others.

Police said they found no evidence at the scene, and the woman does not suspect anyone she knows.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Horry County Police Department at 248-1520.

This story was originally published May 13, 2015 at 11:18 AM with the headline "Horry County police respond after dog harmed."