A severely emaciated dog was rescued from a home on Long Island and the owner is facing charges in what local police called one of the worst cases of animal neglect they’ve ever seen.
Ghost, a Siberian husky, weighed just 27 pounds when he was rescued — a shadow of what he used to be, and less than half the weight he should have been.
“The veterinarian stated that, in her career, she has never seen a dog in this condition still alive,” said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA.
In late October, officers responded to a tip of an emaciated dog at an Islip home. They found Ghost barely moving, suffering from a chronic skin infection which veterinarians said could have contributed to his weight loss.
“According to the vet, it was a combo of both. An infection of this type, this chronic severe infection, it’s a toll on the body,” said SPCA Lt. Raymond Alvarez.
Two weeks later, and under the care of One Love Dog Rescue, Ghost has since gained five pounds and is being treated for his skin infection. He wears a cone so he can’t scratch his already sensitive skin.
“He requires daily care medicated baths every three days and has ongoing medical expenses,” said Lisa Christiansen, of One Love Dog Rescue.
