Pima Animal Care Center officials are investigating a case of a 14-year-old Lhasa Apso mix that came to the shelter severely emaciated, covered in mats and thorns and suffering from a maggot investigation.
The dog was surrendered for euthanasia to PACC by her owner who said the family kept the dog outside because she was too dirty to interact with their child.
PACC's doctors say the dog is partially blind from neglected eye infections, and that she is suffering from advanced dental disease.
The doctors said they have ruled out any obvious causes for her condition other than poor care.
“This dog’s situation is tragic, but unfortunately, we see cases like hers more often than we’d like,” said Adam Ricci, PACC’s enforcement operations manager in a press release.
His enforcement team is investigating the case.
When the dog was admitted to PACC, the shelter’s medical team shaved her, removed the maggots, performed blood tests and provided x-rays.
She is in a foster home where she is receiving antibiotics and other medications for her skin injuries, eye ulcers and dental disease.
