LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — The Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control team is on the hunt for those responsible for the neglect of a 9-month-old puppy, discovered Friday morning at their Old Frankfort Pike location. The dog was severely underweight, weighing only 17.6 pounds when it should have been at least 30-35 pounds, according to Lt. Jai Hamilton, a cruelty investigator.
Hamilton described the dog as a “walking skeleton,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for intervention. Recognizing the importance of caring for animals, she highlighted the puppy’s sweet-natured demeanor, further underscoring the neglect it faced.
Given the puppy’s friendliness, Hamilton suspects that it may have belonged to someone in the area. She urged the public to come forward with any relevant information that could help identify the responsible party. Anyone found guilty of animal cruelty in Kentucky could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Currently, the animal control team is providing the puppy with the necessary care, with plans to transfer him to the Humane Society for further treatment and potential adoption. This is not the first time the Humane Society has taken in severely neglected dogs. In the past, dogs like Holly and Barry have made remarkable recoveries under their care, serving as a beacon of hope for the puppy’s potential future.
As the team continues to monitor the puppy’s condition, there is an air of cautious optimism surrounding his recovery. With proper care and support, the hope is that he will be able to overcome his current state and one day find a loving forever home.