Abused Pit Bull Finds New Home in Northern Virginia

Danville, VA - A pit bull named Dawn is leaving Danville on Sunday to go to a foster home in Northern Virginia, after being accepted into Homeward Trails Rescue."Partnerships between open-admission shelters and placement groups are a vital part of improving the lives of animals that have been abused, neglected, or unwanted," said Paulette Dean, executive director. "We appreciate Homeward Trails for accepting Dawn."Dawn was seized by a Danville police officer in August 2013. She had suffered horrific neck injuries due to an embedded chain, suffered from mange, and was severely emaciated. A custody hearing was held in Danville General District Court, and the Honorable Lee Stilwell gave ownership of her to the Danville Area Humane Society. Her owners were subsequently found guilty of animal cruelty and sentenced to serve time in jail. The convictions were appealed. One owner was found guilty of animal cruelty in Danville Circuit Court, and was sentenced to serve four months in jail. The second owner, Paula Easley, remains a fugitive from justice. "Dawn has become a favorite with the shelter staff, and she will be missed," said Lynn Shelton, board president. Dean said, "It is always an honor to help animals recover from abuse and cruelty. We hope that Dawn leads a wonderful life in a home where she can flourish as a beloved family member. We named her Dawn because the second that the police officer rescued her from that chain, she had the dawn of a new life. Our love goes with her."