Pit bull puppy recovering after being found with mouth taped shut

MANDEVILLE, La. -- A puppy named Otis is recovering after being found with its muzzle taped shut in what some fear is becoming a trend of animal abuse cases.

Otis was discovered wandering around Laplace, Louisiana on Thursday. He had his muzzle taped shut and a piece of cloth around his neck. The person who found him unbound him immediately and sent him to St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter.

This comes after an arrest was made last week in Charleston for a different but similar case when a pitbull mix named Caitlyn was found with her muzzle taped shut. The dog is recovering following surgery but the story gained international attention.

As for Otis, the vet who took on his case wrote on Facebook that she believes this has become a trend.

"Please know this is not acceptable," Otis' first animal shelter wrote on Facebook. "It's not a fad or something cool to do. It is cruel."

Otis was then transferred to a second New Orleans-area shelter, Animal Helper. They wrote that he had found foster parents and is looking for a forever home.

Otis is receiving the love and medical care he needs, the shelter wrote on Facebook.

"The dead tissue was removed to help his healing," the shelter wrote. "He's on antibiotics and pain meds. He will be up for adoption once he's healed and neutered."

The St. John the Baptist Sherrif's Office said they were not contacted about the case until Monday. They are currently asking the public for information to help their investigation, and Animal Shelter is offering a reward for it.

For more information about adopting or helping Otis, email the Animal Shelter at animalhelperneworleans@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.