Police investigating case of dog abandoned by owner
By Jenna Wilson
An abandoned dog with several health problems is recovering after being rescued from a St. Joseph neighborhood by a local animal welfare agency.
The dog was brought to Angels Vet Express on Oct. 4 after a woman near the home at 1801 Charles St. noticed it was abandoned and in “lethargic” condition along with 11 puppies she recently birthed.
Staff at Angels said the owners of the home moved out, leaving behind the dog and her puppies without care. Staff described the dog as emaciated and said she had a low red and white cell count when found.
“Around the clock from 1 a.m. all through the night for two nights in a row we were working to save the life of this dog,” said Gary Silverglat, co-owner of Angels Vet Express. “Our doctor initially didn’t think this dog was going to make it but we loaded her with a lot of antibiotics and fluids. While we’ve had many not survive, we’re glad to see this one’s going to make it.”
The St. Joseph Police Department confirmed to News-Press NOW that the case is being investigated, and more details will be released once it’s completed.
Angel’s Vet Express has taken in countless number of abused and abandoned animals this year. Silverglat said this is unfortunately a too-common situation, and he wants to see justice served in this case and others involving animal neglect.
“We need the help of law enforcement and the judicial system to get some fines on these individuals who think they can get away with it,” Silverglat said. “They’re not just animals, they’re living (beings) who suffer like anybody does. So we need the help of the community. If you see something, call us.”
Two of the 11 puppies died, but the dog was recently reunited with the rest of her litter. The surviving puppies will be put up for adoption when they’re in stable condition.
