Animal control looks for owner of seriously neglected dog found in Meriden

Animal control officers are looking for the owner of a dog that was found seriously neglected in Meriden last week.

Meriden Animal Control-Saving Paws said a Yorkshire Terrier was found dragging a leash on Thorpe Avenue on Wednesday.

A woman brought him to the animal shelter after noticing that he was in serious need of medical attention.

"I just got out of the car and approached the dog, and I then thought the dog only had three legs because the dog was only walking on three of his four legs. A little Yorkie, very overgrown hair," Bridget Rich, the woman who found the dog, said.

Animal control said all four of the dog's legs were completely matted, and one of his front legs was badly hurt.

"This poor boy could only walk on three legs when he came in, and the smell of infection was overwhelming," animal control said.

Bloodwork shows that the dog has a severe infection that animal control says they are working to control.

The dog, who has been named Johnny Mac, also has a heart murmur and about two teeth left in his mouth.

"Despite all the pain and suffering little Johnny Mac has endured for what seems to be quite a long time, he is the friendliest little boy who just wants attention. He has a huge will to live and is doing very well so far," animal control said.

Assistant Animal Control Officer Sarah Bacon said the area is known as a dumping ground for dogs in town.

"It is pretty typical that we find animals left there on purpose," Bacon said.

She said if you find a stray animal, whether it's injured or not, the first thing you should do is contact animal control.

Desmond's Army is offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of whoever's responsible.

Once the dog is out of the hospital, a rescue has arranged for him to go to a foster home.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Meriden Animal Control at 203-235-4179.