International outrage erupted after a woman in South Daytona, Florida posted a picture on Facebook Friday morning of her dog with its muzzle taped shut with duct tape to keep it from barking.
South Daytona police and animal control have begun an animal cruelty investigation after Katie Brown posted her picture with the caption, “This is what happens when you don’t shut up!!!”
The photo triggered 233, 634 shares since it was posted Friday morning and elicited phone calls to police around the world, even as far away as Australia.
South Daytona Lt. Daniel Dietrich said that the department contacted Brown’s son, adding, “He said the dogs are in good health and cared for. We will follow up when she returns.” Brown later posted, “Don’t panic everyone it was only for a minute but hasn’t barked since… POINT MADE!!!”
On Saturday, the City of South Daytona posted on Facebook:
Police have determined that this person was out of state for the holiday weekend. It appears that the photo was taken at that location. We have information to indicate that the dog is OK at this time. However, the police will be contacting this person once she returns to our City. Rest assured that a full investigation will be done and appropriate action will be taken. Again, thank you for the outpouring of concern and sharing of information.
Last May, a stray 15-month-old Chocolate Staffie mix was found in North Charleston, South Carolina with black electrical tape tightly wound around her muzzle.