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Man Accused of Taping Dog’s Muzzle Shut Faces Federal Gun Charges

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The man accused of taping Caitlyn the dog’s muzzle shut is facing federal gun charges.

Yesterday, William Leonard Dodson was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Dodson, who is still being held at the Charleston County Detention Center on animal cruelty charges, is accused of having a Beretta 92FS handgun and 9-millimenter ammunition and shipping these items across state lines, according to indictment paperwork unsealed on Wednesday. The search warrant that uncovered the gun and ammunition was executed in March of 2015, a few months before Dodson was charged with animal cruelty against the pit bull.

Related: Abused Pit Bull Caitlyn Named Survivor of the Year

If you recall, Dodson reportedly bought Caitlyn for $10 from her previous owners and later returned her to her Charleston, South Carolina neighborhood with her muzzle so tightly shut with electrical tape the blood circulation to her tongue was cut off. He did so because she was barking too much. Police arrested Dodson and charged him with ill treatment of an animal involving torture.

The maximum penalty Dodson can receive on the weapons charge is 10 years in jail or a maximum fine of $250,000.

There has not been a date set for the animal-cruelty case. In the meantime, Caitlyn is being fostered (she can’t be adopted yet, as she is considered evidence) and has become the poster child for abused dogs.

Related: Abused Pit Bull Caitlyn Gets Completely Spoiled on Special Day Just for Her

H/T ABC

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

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