Investigators are looking to identify the owner of a golden retriever mix found emaciated in Brookline, Massachusetts.
The dog, who is about 3 years old, was brought to MSPCA-Angell Wednesday after being found in the area of Newton Street and Clyde Street, the animal welfare organization said Monday.
"This dog was in bad shape when she came to us," Mike Keiley of MSPCA-Angell said in a statement Monday. "On a scale of one to nine, with one being extremely emaciated and nine being obese, she had a body condition score of one."
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Keiley says the dog, whom staff are calling Brooke, weighed about 10 pounds when she was brought in, and she should weigh at least double that.
"We put her on a defined refeeding program, and she's been stabilizing since," Keiley said. "We're optimistic that she may be able to leave the hospital early this week."
It's unclear if Brooke had an owner and was abandoned. In the state of Massachusetts, it's a felony to abandon a dog.
Animal cruelty cases have been on the rise since 2019 and the Animal Rescue League of Boston said there's resources available for people to prevent cases of animal cruelty.
"The veterinarians recommend look if you can’t if this is a financial burden, then you really need to seek out a shelter and they should do that," said Lt. Alan Borgal, humane officer for the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
MSPCA said its law enforcement division is working with the Brookline Police Department and animal control to find the dog's owner. Anyone with information is asked to call 617-522-6008 or 1-800-628-5808. Tips can also be left by emailing animalcontrol@brooklinema.gov or on the MSPCA's website.
