New Yorkers offer home to beaten dog

NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- Dozens of New Yorkers have offered a new home to Spike, an 11-month-old bulldog savaged in a beating with a shovel, animal rescue officials said.

Spike was recovering Friday at the Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital from a broken hip, leg, teeth and injuries to his ears, The New York Daily News reported Saturday.

Spike was left virtually blind in his right eye after allegedly being beaten with a shovel by his owner, Maria Aguilar, who was arrested for aggravated animal cruelty after a witness taped the beating on a camera phone, authorities said.

As of Friday, nearly 100 people had offered to adopt Spike, who could be heard howling with pain on the camera phone video, The News reported.

Spike was not well enough yet to be put up for adoption, said ASPCA spokesman Joseph Pentangelo, who urged adoption elsewhere.

"There are other pets in shelters in dire need of homes," Pentangelo said.