I have a distant relative that's been abusing their dog, and I have to rescue it from their property.
That's awful.  What are you going to do?
I'm bringing some backup with me to start off. I'm going to just be direct and take the dog. If that doesn't work I'll have to get animal control involved.
What type of dog is it?
It is a staffordshire terrier. It's a lovely dog and very sweet. The dog certainly doesn't deserve this treatment, no dogs do.