Pit bull found in duffel bag expected to make full recovery

CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A pit bull found abandoned in a duffel bag under a park bench has made it through the night.

Duffy, a 16-week-old puppy, was doing much better Thursday night SPCA animal care workers said after being brought in Wednesday in critical condition.

The pit bull, named by SPCA staff, was found in Chester, Pa., by a local officer who rushed it to the animal hospital suffering from heat stroke and parvovirus.

Animal care workers suspect the puppy's diagnosis could be the reason it was abandoned.

"Not only is it a sin, but it's also a crime to do something like this. It's punishable under dog law in Pennsylvania," said Justina Calgiano.

The SPCA staff member said she and other workers encourage people to find safer alternatives to handling unwanted pets.

"What we really want people to know is this shouldn't even be a last resort. This should not be an option at all," said Calgiano.

The SPCA said round-the-clock care for Duffy will cost $3-5,000 and are asking the public for donations.

To assist the animal shelter with Duffy's medical costs, you can donate by visiting http://delcospca.org/get-involved/donate.