'One Of The Worst Cases Of Neglect': Canton Dog Found Near Death

CANTON, MA — A dog that nearly starved to death was rescued near Massasoit Community College, according to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The organization offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to an animal cruelty conviction. One veterinarian called abuse "one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen."

Two good Samaritans found Glitch, a one-year-old, 15-pound pit bull mix on July 30. MSPCA officials said Glitch weighed 35 pounds less than a typically healthy dog his age.

"This is one of the worst cases of neglect I have ever seen," said Dr. Maria Brandifino, the veterinarian who treated the dog at Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain. "When he arrived, my first thought was, 'How could he have even survived this?' "

Glitch was given intravenous fluids and slowly given food. MSPCA officials said Glitch ate as fast as he could.

"We’ve had to place him on a rigid re-feeding protocol to ensure he doesn’t gain too much weight too soon, which itself can be very dangerous," Brandifino said. "But the bottom line is that someone nearly starved this dog to death."

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

Glitch has since moved into foster care, where his recovery can be closely monitored, MSPCA officials said. His veterinarians said they are confident he will make a complete recovery.

Once he recovers, Glitch will go up for adoption, and the MSPCA will announce those details in the coming weeks.

The MSPCA’s law enforcement department opened a cruelty investigation and asked for the public's help identifying anyone who might have owned the dog. Glitch is mostly black with dark brown eyes and white patches on his paws and muzzle. He wore no identification tags and is not micro-chipped.

Animal cruelty is a felony crime in Massachusetts punishable by up to seven years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call MSPCA Law Enforcement at 800-628-5808.