Dozens of people rallied outside the courthouse in Windsor Thursday ahead of a bail hearing for a man accused of binding a dog with electrical tape.

The small dog, now named Justice, was found with his muzzle, neck and paws tightly bound with tape to the point where he was swollen and having trouble breathing.

He was discovered by a man walking his two huskies beside the Canadian Tire on Walker Road on Dec. 15 and is now in the care of the Windsor-Essex Humane Society.

Humane society officials say the six-year-old pup also has heartworm, and won't be available for adoption for several months as he continues to heal.

Michael Hill, 32, of Amherstburg was arrested after persons went to the humane society wanting custody of the dog.

He is not the owner, and has been charged with willfully causing unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to an animal.

His bail hearing on Thursday was postponed for a second time and he is expected to be in court again on Jan. 6.