Severely Neglected Dog Found Wandering In Meriden: Animal Control

MERIDEN, CT — The Meriden Animal Control is asking for help with finding the owner of a severely neglected dog that was found roaming last week in Meriden.

The dog, a black and tan male Yorkshire Terrier, was found Feb. 26 on Thorpe Avenue near the Wallingford town line, according to officials. He came in wearing a collar and was found dragging a leash, and doesn’t have a microchip, officials said.

“A kind woman stopped and was able to secure him in her vehicle,” according to a post on the Meriden Animal Control-Saving Paws Facebook page. “She noticed right away that he needed medical attention and drove him straight to our shelter.”

Officials said all four of the dog’s legs were “completely encapsulated in severely matted, rock hard, extremely dirty fur.”

“His front left leg was clearly the worst of them, with dried blood and pus all over it,” officials wrote. “This poor boy could only walk on 3 legs when he came in, and the smell of infection was overwhelming. He has since been getting care at our vet for this. All of his legs have been shaved, and the front left leg has a chunk of it missing due to this awful, festering wound. His blood work shows he has a severe infection that we are working on controlling. He also has a grade 4 heart murmur and about 2 teeth left in his mouth. It is difficult to determine his age, possibly between 9-12 years.”

The animal control is accepting donations to help with the care for the dog, now named “Johnny Mac.”

“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!” officials wrote. “He has a huge will to live and is doing very well so far! We are hoping to raise some funds for his ongoing care and to help pay for an echocardiogram as well. This adorable little boy deserves a chance! Any amount helps!”

The animal control is also trying to track down where the dog came from.

“This dog has obviously endured severe NEGLECT AND ABUSE!” officials wrote. “This is animal cruelty! If you think you may know where this dog came from and/or who previously owned him, PLEASE call our office at 203-235-4179.”

The nonprofit organization Desmond's Army Animal Law Advocates is also offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the severe neglect of “Johnny Mac.”

To make a donation to help with “Johnny Mac’s” care, visit here.

For more information, visit Meriden Animal Control-Saving Paws on Facebook here.