PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Chester County man accused of abusing a dog, including amputating one of its legs, was sentenced earlier this week to 13 months to five years behind bars.
South Coatesville police and Brandywine Valley SPCA law enforcement received a tip in December 2023 about a dog yelping in pain. Police went to 34-year-old Curtis Bacon’s Coatesville home and found Ava, an American pit bull terrier, suffering numerous injuries.
Authorities found Ava malnourished and withdrawn. She had injuries to her left eye and her right rear leg was missing. It appeared to have been recently removed.
She was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where doctors discovered that in addition to those injuries, she had multiple fractures that had healed in abnormal positions. They also determined that she endured a “traumatic amputation of her lower leg.”
Bacon pleaded guilty to aggravated cruelty to animals and was sentenced to 13 months to five years in prison. He must also pay restitution for the dog’s veterinary care, and he is prohibited from owning pets in the future.
Officials said Ava has fully recovered. A BVSPCA volunteer fostered her throughout her treatment, and she was adopted by a new family in West Chester.
“It’s a miracle Ava survived with the type of injuries she sustained, and sickening to think about the trauma she endured,” said Adam Lamb, CEO of the Brandywine Valley SPCA, “but we are glad that life of abuse is behind her, and she has a full life ahead of her in a loving home.”