INDIANAPOLIS -- Officials say a dog is healing after he was found in Hancock County with a coyote trap clamped to him, but they’re still looking for whoever is responsible.

The dog – an 8-month-old black lab animal control officers nicknamed “Hancock” – is now safe at the Humane Society of Indianapolis after being discovered with the trap clamped tightly around his genitals.

Heather Hamilton, an animal control officer with more than 10 years of experience, says she doesn’t believe Hancock’s predicament was an accident.

“The placement of the trap… the dog couldn’t have just sat on the trap and ended where it was,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton was the first to arrive, and right away she knew the dog needed help.

“I said, ‘We’ve got to get to the vet immediately,’” Hamilton said.

With no hesitation, the Humane Society of Indianapolis agreed to step in and help.

“We were able to remove the trap and we went ahead and neutered him since it was on his scrotum,” said Kristen McGuire, with the Humane Society of Indianapolis. “He is recovering great right now. He is a much happier guy without that on.”

Officials were also able to find the dog’s owners, who were shocked to hear what had happened to him.

“They live not too far from that area,” Hamilton said. “They were shocked. They couldn’t believe it happened.”

Coyote traps are legal and common in rural areas – something Hamilton now hopes to educate dog owners about.

“Be very careful in these rural areas letting your dogs run loose,” she said. “These traps can be camouflaged. Dogs could get into them and cause serious injury.”

The good news for Hancock is that, after he’s had a few days to heal, he’ll be reunited with his owners in no time.

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