The MSPCA is investigating after a pit bull was found emaciated.
A reward is being offered for information about a severely emaciated dog that was found in Canton, Massachusetts, in a condition that shocked shelter staff and veterinarians.
The dog, who has since been named "Glitch," was found near Massasoit Community College's campus in Canton. Glitch was brought to MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston's Jamaica Plain last month by the two people who found him.
Neglected and starved, caretakers say Glitch was found "near death," lying in the grass.
"Our veterinarians recognized this is one of the worst neglect cases they've seen," said Michael Keiley, the director of adoption centers for MSPCA-Angell. "But you could still see that sweetness, still a little, tiny tail wag and showing that he had some spirit still left to fight."
The pit bull mix was severely emaciated. It's estimated he's about 6 months to a year old, and should be about 50 pounds, but he weighed under 15 pounds when he was brought in by two Good Samaritans.
"When he came in, he couldn't even really lift his head, he had no energy," Keiley said. "But with the hard work that we've already done, he's already gained 2 and a half pounds."
He's also improved his posture. When he was brought in, he was walking on his shins.
"We did see a hunch in his back, which could indicate that he's been overconfined," Keiley said.
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"You sort of worry about where that dog came from and what conditions he was living in, and then it just hurts your heart and you feel really bad," said Maryellen Lundy, who lives nearby.
"It's just very sad to know that somebody wouldn't care for an animal like that," said Lisa Klein, who also lives nearby.
But Glitch has a sweet demeanor, loves cuddling and other dogs, and is expected to be available for adoption in a few weeks to a few months, depending on his health.
"We're going to take him from a situation that was really bad, and put him in a position to have a really successful, great life," Keiley said.
The MSPCA's law enforcement department is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for neglecting Glitch.
If you have any information on this dog, give them a call.
