Pit bull puppy brutally beaten by owner

HAYWARD, Calif. (KTVU) - A 9-month-old Pit bull is recovering from facial reconstructive surgery after being beaten by her owner in Hayward, according to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Sgt. Ray Kelly said the puppy, named “Allie,” was beaten in the face and body with a wooden dowel. The incident allegedly happened in the garage of her owner’s home in Hayward on Sunday night.

The dog was able to hide and survive. She was rescued by concerned citizens on Monday morning who found her in serious condition. They took her to an emergency vet shelter where she was picked up by Alameda County Sheriff’s Animal Services.

“Had she been an older dog we probably would have had to put her down, but she's such a resilient dog,” Kelly said. “What really stood out about her is her personality and her charm.”

Kelly said the motive for the beating is under investigation, but a contributing factor may have been that the puppy went to the bathroom in a place she wasn’t supposed to.

Both sides of “Allie’s” top jaw were broken; she had a missing tooth and extensive bruising on her back and hind legs. The dog went into surgery Wednesday afternoon at SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Care in Dublin with Dr. Tim Sellmeyer.

At the same time, Joshua Taddac of Hayward appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to a felony animal cruelty charge.

A prosecutor argued against releasing the 23-year-old on his own recognizance because Taddac allegedly admitted to the beating including the fact that the “used not only his fists, but a 6-foot wooden rod to beat the dog with.”

Taddac’s attorney, Mary Ann F. Bird, said her client is distressed by what happened and has no criminal history.

“He is absolutely remorseful that his dog got hurt,” Bird said. “He didn't mean to do this.”

She went on to say that Taddac is a good man who “just had a bad day.”

Bail for Taddac was set at $10,000.

Sgt. Kelly said the puppy will never return to that home in Hayward.

“She's just a baby starting out her life,” Kelly said. “Obviously this was not a good start for her in regards to the abuse, but we know moving forward there is a lovely home out there for Allie. Someone will take her and give her a wonderful life.”

Kelly said Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) is collecting donations to pay for the cost of surgery for “Allie.” Donations can be made by visiting TVAR.org and putting “Allie” in the notes section of the donation.

The puppy will stay with a foster family during her recovery before she is available for adoption.