Dog abandoned, severely malnourished Fairhope, AL (US) Incident Date: Monday, Apr 23, 2007 County: Baldwin Local Map: available Disposition: Open Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help! Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 11314 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in AL (US) Login to Watch this Case

Fairhope animal control officers are investigating an animal abuse case. They're calling it one of the worst cases of animal starvation they've ever seen.

"There's not any more fat to lose on the dog," said Officer Jerry Merchant. "He's just skin and bones."

On Monday, two women rescued the emaciated dog from a ditch. They took him to The Haven, a no-kill shelter in Fairhope.

"If I had to estimate, at least two or three months, he's probably been eating garbage." said Michael Graham, Executive Director of The Haven. "There's no telling what's in his digestive system."

Investigators don't know if the dog was abandoned or if he ran away from home. They're hoping someone who recognizes the animal will step forward with information.

"If nobody saw the dog dumped, if it was dumped, then of course we'll probably never know what happened."

The Haven officials expect the dog to make a full recovery. He's tested negative for heart worms, and he's being fed a diet of 800 calories a day to help him regain strength.

"It'll be a slow process," said Merchant. "In a month you won't recognize him."

If investigators determine this is a case of abuse, the guilty party could face one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

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References

WKRG - April 24, 2007

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