Vets unsure if dog found abandoned, emaciated in Deerpark will survive; Suspect sought

DEERPARK (WABC) -- Authorities are searching for the person or persons who abused and abandoned a severely emaciated dog found along the side of a highway in Deerpark Wednesday.

A driver traveling along US Route 209 near 3rd Street Cuddebackville observed something laying on the side of the road and pulled over to investigate. He found a pit bull/terrier mix emaciated and unable to move.

The dog was transported to the Humane Society of Port Jervis/Deerpark, where she was named Sally and began to receive emergency care.

"She arrived very cold," said Susan Beecher, Director of Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark. "We don't know how long she was laying on the side of the road in the rain."

The dog is described as a white female approximately 2 years old. At the time of admission, she weighed 25 pounds and was severely underweight. In addition, her body temperature was extremely low, and marks around her neck suggest a collar was recently removed.

"She doesn't appear to have a lot of external wounds on her," Beecher said. "The main problem with her is emaciation and dehydration."

She hasn't moved much and hasn't eaten a thing, but her caretakers remain hopeful.

Veterinarians believe she has been without food for at least two weeks and say she cannot stand on her own and is not alert. She is currently on IV antibiotics and vitamins, and all efforts are in place to save the dog. Shelter staff has rendered a decision that if euthanasia becomes necessary, it will not be performed without two veterinarians agreeing that is the only option.

"We've gotten a lot of phone calls, email messages, donations, to help with her care and just a lot of encouragement," Beecher said.

The members of the Town of Deerpark Police Department take matters involving animal cruelty and/or neglect exceptionally serious and are seeking public assistance in identifying the owner of this dog. This investigation is continuing and confidential information from members of the public is crucial in this case.

Information can be provided to the police department via private Facebook message to this page or by contacting 845-856-4333.

And as Sally recovers, she's going to need help with her medical bills. To find out more information or to donate, visit PJHumane.org/.