Editor’s note: This story contains graphic images of an animal that some may find disturbing.
REILEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- The owner of an ‘emaciated dog’ is charged with cruelty to a companion animal, said Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones.
David Neanover, 36, was charged Tuesday after anonymous complaints to county officials, the sheriff said.
The county’s dog wardens responded to 6165 Main St. in Reiley Township to find the dog with “severe open wounds and obviously starved.” The dog had no food or water.
“No normal human being could look at this dog and think this is acceptable,” Jones said in a written statement. “The pictures are hard to view. It’s much worse in person.”
Butler County Sheriff's Office
The dog also had an ulcer on its tongue, making it difficult to eat or drink. The Animal Friends Humane Society is caring for the animal. It’s unclear if it will survive.
“Animal Friends will do everything they can to save this poor animal but the current condition is very bad,” the sheriff said. “I am thankful that this was reported. I just hope he can be saved and adopted to someone who cares.”
The sheriff encourages everyone to report suspected cases of animal abuse to police.
