It’s truly shocking how heartless some people can be toward animals. Recently, a helpless dog was found in a horrifying condition, his head completely wrapped in duct tape, leaving many stunned and outraged. However, there’s a bright side to this tragic story, as it ended in a heartwarming reunion. On April 15, the Nebraska Humane Society revealed the disturbing details. Animal Control had responded to a call from a concerned individual who heard strange noises coming from a dumpster. Initially, the caller believed it was a raccoon, but to their horror, they found a dog instead.

The dog’s condition was beyond belief: his entire head had been tightly bound in duct tape, along with his tail, and his legs were taped together as well. His fur was matted with food and other debris.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kevin Wiederin, an NHS staff member, in an interview with KETV. “The whole muzzle was wrapped in tape, and the eyes were covered. His front and back paws were also taped together.” He continued, “It made me sick to my stomach. I’ve never witnessed something so cruel. To think someone could do that to a helpless dog and then toss him away like garbage is unimaginable.”

Thankfully, the dog was discovered just in time. According to NHS, within 30 minutes of Animal Control’s arrival, the dumpster had been scheduled to be emptied, which could have led to an even more tragic outcome.

The dog was rushed to the Nebraska Humane Society, where he was immediately sedated. The team carefully removed the duct tape and shaved off the debris matted into his fur. Despite everything he had been through, the dog’s spirits remained high. NHS shared on Facebook that while he had mild skin irritation, the dog was otherwise healthy and even wagged his tail once the tape was off.

Through this ordeal, a microchip was found, and they discovered the dog’s name: Leo. His family had been frantically searching for him after he went missing just days before. Leo’s owner, Erin Dillon-Pasillas, explained that Leo had slipped out of the house while she was taking her son to school. She had been desperately trying to find him, calling shelters and checking for any sign of her beloved dog.

“Each day was more stressful than the last,” Erin told KETV. “There was nothing—no word at all.” When she got the call about Leo’s rescue, she was both relieved and devastated. “I was shaking as I called them, praying, ‘Please let it be my dog.’” Although deeply saddened by what happened, Erin was overjoyed to have Leo back home. “He’s the sweetest dog! I don’t understand why anyone would do this to him,” she told NHS.

Now safe and recovering, Leo is being showered with love and care. Erin made sure he had a thorough vet check-up and a warm bath to help him feel comfortable again. As for who is responsible for such cruelty, that remains a mystery. The dumpster where Leo was found has no cameras nearby, and NHS is urging anyone with information to come forward. They are offering a $10,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. If you have any information, please call (402) 444-7800

It’s heartbreaking to think anyone could inflict such suffering on a defenseless dog. But we’re thankful Leo was rescued in time and is now home with his family. Hopefully, the person behind this terrible act will be brought to justice.