Dog found stabbed multiple times in Santa Paula

A pit bull was found suffering from multiple stab wounds to his neck and abdomen, and police are seeking the public's help to find the person responsible.

The pit bull terrier named T-Rex was found at about 5 p.m. Friday near the area of Saticoy Street and 14th Street in Santa Paula. Police said T-Rex was stabbed five times.

Investigators said the suspect may have intentionally let T-Rex and a second dog out of the backyard and then stabbed him.

Several residents in the area were able to rush T-Rex to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC), a Santa Paula-based no kill animal shelter for emergency attention.

The staff provided aid and transported the dog to an emergency veterinary clinic in Ventura where he was reported to be in good condition, Santa Paula police said.

T-Rex was nicknamed "Lucky" by the staff, hoping the name would "rub off" on him, the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center posted on Facebook.

The second dog was found uninjured by the fence of her residence and shaking after the incident.

If anyone has information on who may have committed this crime they are encouraged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department at 805-525-4474 or by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).