“the dog was hanging from a tree branch from his mouth and again making just the most terrible noises”

“Dear PoPville,

I witnessed a rather disturbing event yesterday evening (April 28) on the 700 block of Morton Street NW. From inside the house I was at, I heard multiple gut wrenching howls seeming to come from a dog. I go outside and notice on the sidewalk at the middle of the block a man with two pit bulls – one of which appeared to be hanging from a tree. The dog was howling in pain and I couldn’t really see what was going on but the noises the dog made were definitely ones of pain. I proceeded to take a small video clip from afar (did not want to approach this man and the pit bulls). A screen shot is attached (grainy- but you can see the dog standing/hanging upright on the right). I spoke with two others that passed by and witnessed this going on and apparently the owner of the dog was teaching the dog to “prune the branches of the tree”. I have no idea what the hell that means, but the dog was hanging from a tree branch from his mouth and again making just the most terrible noises.

I called Washington human society to report this incident as to me this didn’t seem like any ordinary training one should do with their dog. Being later in the evening, I was only able to give my version of what happened to a girl who answered phones after hours. She said that someone will follow up with me immediately but I have not heard back as of this email.

My question – to whom should this type of incident be reported to? I can’t get the sounds/sight of this poor dog out of my head.

Advise is appreciated.”