MSPCA searching for person who severely neglected emaciated dog

BOSTON — A severely emaciated dog is recovering at the MSPCA-Angell as officials search for information that could lead them to whoever neglected the black Pitbull mix.

On July 28, the dog was brought to the MSPCA unit in Jamaica Plain after being found in Canton, near the Massasoit Community College campus.

Now named "Glitch", the approximately 1-year-old Pitbull mix weighed only 15 lbs, about 35 lbs less than a healthy dog at his age. Glitch was also completely hunched over and walked on his shins, a behavior that lead veterinarians to believe he spent most of his life confined to a cage.

Glitch was immediately given fluids and slowly introduced to solid foods, which the MSPCA said he ate as fast as he could.

"We've had to place him on a rigid refeeding protocol to ensure he doesn't gain too much weight too soon, which itself can be very dangerous," said Dr. Maria Brandifino. "But the bottom line is that someone nearly starved this dog to death."

Dr. Brandifino says this is "one of the worst cases of neglect" she's ever seen.

Glitch has been placed in a foster home where he will recover and be closely monitored. He is still on a strict re-feeding schedule, but his caretakers and veterinarians expect him to make a full recovery.

He will be placed for adoption as soon as he is deemed healthy and has recovered fully.

The MSPCA's Law Enforcement Department has opened an animal cruelty investigation and is offering up to $1,000 reward for any information that could lead them to the person responsible.

Glitch is described as being mostly black with dark brown eyes and white patches on his paws and muzzle. He had no identification tag nor was he microchipped, but the MSPCA is hoping someone can come forward with any information about who could have owned the dog.

Any donations that the MSPCA may receive above and beyond the $1,000 reward will be used for ongoing anti-cruelty investigations.

Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts. Anyone convicted of such a crime could face up to seven years in prison as well as a fine of up to $5,000.

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