SOMERSET, Pa. — Two dogs close to death were found in separate locations in Somerset County after allegedly being mistreated by the owners, law enforcement authorities said.
Dragger, a 4-year-old English bulldog, was seized Dec. 5 from a trailer court in Somerset, and Dixie, a 5- or 6-year-old boxer, was found Dec. 13 outside a home in Confluence.
Both animals were sent to the Laurel Highlands Animal Hospital for treatment.
Both owners will face animal cruelty charges, said Tina Thompson, an officer with the Humane Society of Somerset County.
The incidents underscore what officials say is the growing problem of animal neglect.
The Humane Society of Somerset County is asking for donations to care for the neglected animals.
“It’s absolutely unbelievable they could do these things to these animals,” Thompson said.
Thompson said she was summoned to the trailer court by state police. There she found Dragger in the care of the owner.
“The woman had him out on the floor and apparently due to embarrassment was trying to clean the urine and feces that was embedded on his coat,” Thompson said.
The dog was treated by Travis Tull, a veterinarian at the animal hospital.
The dog’s eyes were crusted shut, Tull said.
“He was unable to stand or open his eyes,” he said.
After about a week, Dragger was taken to Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, where Michael Finn performed surgery to save his right eye.
The dog is now in foster care.
Dixie was found with a couple who had the dog after the owner was unable to care for her.
“She was covered in fleas and her body was in starvation mode,” said Steven Triol, co-owner of Laurel Highlands Animal Hospital.
Dixie also had a low-grade urinary tract infection, he said.
“We’ve got her stabilized,” Triol said. “She’s got a long row to hoe.”
Dixie also will be placed in foster care.
Animals are often neglected by irresponsible owners and owners who can no longer have the money to care for them.
“It’s very frustrating,” Triol said.
Veterinarians try to provide quality care for animals at an affordable price and yet dogs are still neglected, he said.
“It breaks your heart,” Triol said.
Anyone interested to donating for the care of neglected animals can send checks to the Humane Society of Somerset County, P.O. Box 182, Somerset PA 15501.
Latest news
Related Photos
-
Two dogs, in separate Somerset County homes, found close to death Pat Buchnowski/Johnstown Tribune-Democrat
Two dogs, in separate Somerset County homes, found close to death
Both owners face animal cruelty charges
- Latest news
-
-
911 workers will see a pay increase
County emergency dispatchers will see increases in pay for the next three years under a contract signed by workers and Allegany County Thursday evening.
-
Some area pools set to open this weekend
The arrival of the Memorial Day weekend also means the unofficial start of the summer season — and a chance to go swimming at area pools.
-
County: Increase in water rates planned
Many customers in Allegany County will likely see a small increase in their water and sewer rates during the upcoming fiscal year.
-
Rocky Gap Casino Resort flush with visitors; 1,000 estimated on first day
Nearly 300 people were waiting outside and in the lobby Wednesday when Rocky Gap Casino Resort officials emerged at about 4 p.m. to announce they had received a call from the Maryland gaming commission that they were approved to open.
-
Live music takes center stage at 6th DelFest
With more than 30 musical acts set to take the stage at the 6th annual DelFest this weekend, now might be a good time to let folks know about some of the bands that will headline this four-day music festival.
-
Bear in tree
A crew from the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service successfully removed a young female bear from a tree in South Cumberland Thursday morning, eventually releasing the bruin on state-owned land in Allegany County.
-
Frostburg adopts $9.7M budget, keeps alley open
The Frostburg mayor and city council have voted to adopt a $9.7 million budget for fiscal year 2014 and to keep open an alley that many citizens feared would be closed by the city.
-
6th annual DelFest has arrived
Thirty national recording artists are preparing to step into the Cumberland spotlight this weekend at the Allegany County Fairgrounds as DelFest rolls into town for its sixth annual musical festival.
- Rocky Gap casino opens
-
‘Time just kind of stood still’
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
- More Latest news Headlines
-
911 workers will see a pay increase
