A New York animal shelter is raising money for a 16-month-old mastiff who was nearly starved to death by a woman seeking to get back at her ex after their bitter breakup.
Elizabeth James was charged with animal cruelty by Animal Control in Laurens, South Carolina, for starving Champ after he was left in her care. James fed her own dogs, but purposefully punished her ex’s pooch, police told KLAS.
A concerned passerby called animal control officers after spotting the skeletal 50-pound dog in the yard. A healthy weight for a dog his size would have been 110 pounds, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC said in a Facebook post.
“Champ was rushed to a local vet last night. He is weak, gums very pale & he was covered in maggots, even in his mouth. He needs testing & diagnostics which he will get today,” the rescue group wrote on Facebook.
“We are so heartbroken for this poor dog, a victim of sick, sadistic, selfish, heartless & cruel humans. We hope karma will be swift!. We do not know if Champ can be saved or if we are in time, but we can promise you we will fight like hell for him to give this young majestic dog the life he deserves!,” the post continues.
As of this weekend, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC had raised over $10,000 to pay Champ’s medical bills. The group wasn’t immediately available to comment on Champ’s current status or fundraising efforts.
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