Dog News

Neighbors Alert Police and Save Emaciated, Tethered Dog

by Katherine

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On November 18, 2015, Rocco, an emaciated dog from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, received the best gift of life. Rescue. The dog lived tethered in his yard and was just days away from dying. His owners neglected to feed him or provide him with water.

Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com
Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com

According to El Nuevo Dia, local police received numerous calls about the dog’s appalling condition. A warrant to search the property was issued by a judge and when officers arrived, they found a malnourished dog lying on the floor. The tethered pet did not have access to food or water. The property and pet owners were not home, and officers removed the dog and transported him to a veterinarian.

Rocco’s starved state was so advanced that he couldn’t move or hold his own body weight. Veterinarians feared he suffered organ failure and multiple parasites. However, upon examination they discovered the skinny dog had hope.

Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com
Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com

“[The dog] is responding well to treatment,” said Iris Quiñones, president of animal rescue group Oica (Oficiales Investigadores de Crueldad de Animales). “He was given fluids, doesn’t have mange and is heartworm negative. He is a fighter.”

Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com
Photo credit: TuNoticiaPR.com

Police opened an investigation and identified the dog’s abusers as 39-year-old María Teresa González Escudero and 29-year-old Carlos Colón Concepción. Both were arrested and charged with third degree animal abuse. Colón Concepción was fine $50,000 and González $25,000. After failing to pay the fine the animal abusers were incarcerated.

Rocco is under the care of Oica and rescuers hope he will make a full recovery and find a loving forever home.