BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Animal rescue groups led by actress Katherine Heigl assume ownership of pit bull that was hog-tied and left for dead south of Bakersfield almost two weeks ago.

The abused pit bull that has captivated many in the local community has also touched the hearts of animal rescue groups that will take care of him.

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The Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, headed by actress Katherine Heigl, and Last Chance For Animals have stepped forward to recover, rehabilitate and eventually adopt the pit bull named England to a loving family.

"We're not going to tolerate something like this," Heigl said.

England was hogtied to a tree in a field south of Bakersfield and abandoned by James Worley, 52, according to Animal Control officers. Worley will be arraigned on felony animal cruelty charges Friday.

Heigl's mother first heard about England's case in an e-mail from another pit bull rescue group. That compelled the women to take care of the dog through their foundation.

England will be transported by the foundation Wednesday morning to the Los Angeles area, where he will begin his rehabilitation.