Emaciated Dog's 'Rescuers' Were Actually His Abusers: DA

CANTON, MA — Last July two Canton residents told animal cruelty workers they found a dog starved nearly to death near Massasoit Community College. But on Thursday, prosecutors identified the pair as the ones who abused the animal, in what one veterinarian called "one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen."

Michael Coke, 24, and Tatyana Denis, 22, were charged with animal cruelty. Denis was also charged with misleading police.

Prosecutors said the pair brought Glitch, a year-old pit bull, to the MSPCA's Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain on July 28. MSPCA officials said Glitch weighed 15 pounds — 35 pounds less than a typically healthy dog his age.

"This is one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen," said Maria Brandifino, who treated the dog. "When he arrived, my first thought was, 'How could he have even survived this?' "

Glitch was hunched over so much that Brandifino believes the dog spent most, if not all, of his life confined to a tiny cage.

Glitch was given intravenous fluids until he could safely be fed regular food. MSPCA officials said Glitch ate as fast as he could.

Glitch has since been adopted, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement.

"The MSPCA law enforcement division and the veterinarians at Angell have been excellent partners in this investigation," Morrissey said. "We are thankful to them, and to the Canton Police Department, for the work and investigation that led to today’s indictments."