Malden Animal Cruelty Case Prompts Investigation

MALDEN, MA — Malden Police and the Animal Rescue League of Boston are both investigating what the Animal Rescue League recently described as a disturbing case of animal cruelty and abandonment.

The Animal Rescue League shared details of the incident on Wednesday, just over a week after the organization said a user of the East Coast Greenway bike trail in Malden found an emaciated dog huddled near the trail around Dell and Branch Streets near Roosevelt Park last Monday.

The chihuahua is one-year-old and weighed just 2.7 pounds when he was found. The Good Samaritan who found him named him Bailey and brought him to the Malden Police Department, having wrapped him in a blanket, the Animal Rescue League said.

Bailey then went to an animal hospital in Charlestown before being transferred to the care of the Animal Rescue League.

Bailey had suffered severe fur loss and was covered in scabs when found, according to the Animal Rescue League.

He also tested positive for giardia, which is a parasitic illness that can sometimes indicate that an animal had been living in unsanitary conditions.

Bailey is being treated, the Animal Rescue League said this week. He is undergoing medicated baths to help him heal and is on a refeeding plan to help him slowly and safely regain weight.

Bailey is not currently up for adoption.

“The animal has suffered greatly and will take some time to get healthy and be ready to find a new home,” the Animal Rescue League said.

The investigation into this situation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact either the Animal Rescue League at (617) 426-9170 x110 or the Malden Police.

The Animal Rescue League is also accepting donations to support Bailey's care.