According to a statement from the Ghetto Rescue FFoundation (GRFF), someone savagely attacked a two-year-old pit bull named Spartacus with a knife and a shovel early Saturday in Los Angeles, leaving the dog to die in the street.

Spartacus’ injuries were extensive. He was smashed over the head with a shovel and slashed on his face, neck and torso.

The New York Daily News reports that the pit bull required more than 1,000 stitches during surgery.

“This is very serious on many levels,” Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Tami Baumman told NBC Los Angeles. “I have 21 years with the police department and I’ve never seen a dog that cut up before by somebody.”

GRFF says it will pay for all medical costs associated with Spartacus’ surgery, provide temporary board and sponsor ongoing rehabilitation for the two-year-old pit bull until he can be given back to his family.

The organization says that Spartacus is a friendly dog that lives with a family and other small dogs.

According to GRFF, Spartacus has been placed in foster care until the LAPD animal cruelty unit has apprehended a suspect and it’s safe for him to return to his owners.

The GRFF is a non-profit organization that helps dogs and families from economically troubled areas,