Dog Found Near Death

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Some may find the video disturbing
Posted: 10:43 PM Apr 9, 2008
Last Updated: 2:05 PM Apr 10, 2008
Reporter: Peter O'Connor
Email Address: peter.oconnor@wymtnews.com

35 comments

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Some may find the video disturbing

Workers at a Southern Kentucky animal shelter are caring for a Great Dane they say is one of the worse cases of neglect they've ever seen. Now they're asking for your help to care for the animal that weighs only half the amount that's considered normal.

When officials found the Great Dane, she was nothing more than skin and bones. Officials were going to put the dog down, but Knox-Whitley Animal Shelter Director Amy Young says she couldn't do it after "Princess" wagged her tail. That told her the dog wanted to live.

"I've not seen one this bad. This is the worse I've seen," said Animal Control Officer Carl Golton.

Officials say a neighbor saw the dog and reported the incident to animal control.

"My assistant, Rosemary, and I went out with the intent to euthanize this dog when we got there," Young said.

Young was brought in to see if the dog could be saved.

"She was trying to stand up and couldn't, so she used every last bit of energy to wag her tail and at point that was it she had me," Young said.

Officials took the 75 pound, frail dog to the vet and then the shelter to care for it. Officials are asking the community for donations to help with the cost of getting the dog healthy again.

"Blankets, food, money, anything that people can do to help her," Young said.

As for the people that did this, Animal Control Officer Carl Bolton promises action, soon.

"I can tell you this much, there will be charges brought on these individuals," Bolton said.

Bolton says it is a shame something like this had to happen to any animal, let alone a "Princess".

Young says "Princess" still has a long road to recovery. She expects it will take six months to get the dog healthy again.

Bolton says he expects to serve warrants on the people who did this no later than next week.

If you would like more information on how to donate, contact the Knox-Whitley County Animal Shelter at:

Knox-Whitley County Animal Shelter
3100 Meadow Creek
Rockholds, Ky. 40759
(606)546-2815

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: K Location: Prestonsburg, KY on Apr 15, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I have a Great Dane and watching this poor girl on TV was horrific for me. I couldn't imagine anyone doing this to any animal. The people responsible need to be punished to the extreme. If you would do this to an animal I believe you could be capable of treating a child the same way.

Posted by: to bla bla bla Location: ky on Apr 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM
seems you gave yourself a fitting name, why knock people for caring. if you would read your bible you would know that we are all gods creatures, god created all. we are suppose to love all gods creatures. why do you take shots at helping the ones who can not help themself. we the strong are here to help those who are weak regardless it being man or beast, i am not going to turn my back to an animal, child, elderly or even you if in need.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 12, 2008 at 01:52 PM
to blah blah blah-why is it that you believe animal lovers by default do not care about people? and when was the last time you helped a person in need? anyone that has never bonded with an animal does not understand the role they play in the lives of many people. if you are incapable of caring about ALL of God's creatures, I feel sorry for you. do you honestly think that someone that would let a dog starve like that wouldn't do it to a child or elderly person too?

Posted by: Aimée Location: Anderson, South Carolina on Apr 12, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Why can't there be laws that say the punishment will be what the crime was. If a human can do this to defenseless animals than he/she have no feelings, so that person should be punished in the exact same way they hurt the animal/pet. Why does this happen? Our laws are not strict enough. As a matter of fact, I would love to see all who do crime, have a punishment that fits exactly what they did. I am sorry if I offend anyone, but I am sick and tired of all this cruelity, hate, and the plain I just don't care attitudes.

Posted by: anonymous Location: Veterinary Office on Apr 11, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I really hate to hear about this poor animal. However, the money that will be spent in rehabilitating this animal, and the amount of time to house this animal will inevitably sentence hundreds of other heathly/ needy animals to death. This shelter takes in atleast 100 animals weekly, and can only accomodate 26 dogs and 15 cats with out it becomeing an unhealthy situation for all of the animals. Do the math. This animal has suffered enough and at this point feeding her, can kill her. She has no immune system, and this shelter isn't know for being a clean one. So ask yourself why is this dog any different than the hundreds this shelter euthanizes weekly? I'll tell you why, because her story will get media attention, and give this shelter more money to mis-appropriate. Be for warned, don't donate to this shelter before you take a walk through and inspect the situation for yourself. If you really want to make a difference alter your animals, and be a responisible pet owner.

Posted by: bennie Location: hong kong on Apr 11, 2008 at 06:26 PM
I would love to beat the person who done this dog like that, with in a inch of his life. how can anyone do a animal like that?

Posted by: Lisa Location: Georgetown on Apr 11, 2008 at 05:33 PM
If there are several other cases like this but people are afraid of making someone mad, than they are just as guilty as the owners. These animals can't speak for there selves, so we all must step up and do the right thing. We can all make a difference no matter how big or small. Please don't turn your head, do the right thing!!!!!! Lisa Ann Warren

Posted by: Donna Location: Harlan, KY on Apr 11, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Please keep an update on Princess for us. I am willing to foster or aid her rescue. A Great Dane is like a child more than a dog. I am appalled at the horrendous manner she has been treated. Please let us know where and how we may help. May God bless you for helping her in any way. Someone needs to be held accountable. Please petition for the pass of Romeo's law.

Posted by: Art on Apr 11, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Yes, its important to take care of all our animals.While we are talking about animals we also need to rember the thousands of children who are being mistreated. Its time we give attention to the care of children.

Posted by: kim Location: letcher on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:10 PM
The sad story about this dog is that is one of many that are living this way in eastern ky. Neighbors are afraid to make the other person mad and all of the politicians are afraid they won't get elected. There are more laws protecting the deer and elk in the mountains than they are domesticated animals. Everyone who does this will have there day in hell , I hope. People need to start demanding that dogs don't live at the end of a chain the rest of their lives. Bigger cities do it so can small ones if everyone joins together. There is only one shelter per five counties. I wish we could neuter some of the people!!!

Posted by: Luke Location: Lexington on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:33 PM
This is in response to the comment posted by "Anonymous". If more pet owners would have their animals spayed or neutered, there would be less animals on the road to get (edited). It's (edited) you that have no compassion for any living creature or any human being. You may be anonymous to us but GOD knows who you are.

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Lexington on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:20 PM
This is why Romeo's Bill must be passed. Cruel, inhumane trash will continue to do this as long as they know that all they will get is a slap on the wrist. As a dog and cat owner, protector and lover, this sickens me that our law makers are not doing anything to protect our beloved pets. This should be remembered on election day. Princess did not deserve this kind of evil treatment, no animal does. We must be a voice for the voiceless.

Posted by: Scott on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:04 PM
Does PETA need to get involved, in order for something to be done to the scum that neglected this animal. If so, how do you go about doing it?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Frankfort on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:00 PM
This type of cruelty is inexcusable!! And notice how it's always the county or kindhearted individuals who pay to care for these poor, abused animals... How about getting some decent laws on the books that not only make this sort of crime a SERIOUS offense, but also make the criminals pay for the treatment and care of the animal!!!

Posted by: Dog owner Location: ky on Apr 10, 2008 at 05:19 PM
WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE PEOPLE AROUND HERE WHO THINK THEY CAN STARVE,BEAT,MAME,KILL DOGS,HORSES AND HARD TELLING WHAT ELSE AND GET AWAY WITH IT? BECAUSE THEY CAN!!!!! PICKET THE BIG HOUSE AND SHOW THESE FOLKS,WE WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS ABUSE!THESE ANIMALS CANT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES,WE ARE THEIR VOICES...SPEAK UP!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Knox county on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Please follow up on this story, let us know if we can mail donations or if we need to go to the shelter. It would also be wonderful to see the dead-beat s.o.b. taken in cuffed and stuffed. I too agree with Animal lover from Knox c. lets just shoot them and save all of the tax paying citizen a few dollars.

Posted by: lonewolf2 Location: eastern ky on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:32 PM
anonymous i think i was the one who hit the mutt probably done a couple $1000.00 damage to my new corvette who can i complain to for that not my insurance maybe sue the owner people keep your mutts tied

Posted by: blah blah blah Location: kentucky on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:28 PM
reckon all the dog lovers complain when a child is starved an abused or our elderly is not being took care of its bad about animals being treated this way but get a life an get real complain about something worthwhile for a change people are worth more than a dog we are GODS CHILDREN complain about something worthwhile an Jack I saw a family who lost their home to fire they could use your donation more than a dog could but thats not important is it its a person needing help they dont count in this society no more so blah blah blah sleep well

Posted by: Ashley Location: Hazard on Apr 10, 2008 at 03:13 PM
It is really ridiculous that people can live with themselves, after harming animals like this.

Posted by: ntcw on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Seems like so many animal cruelty cases are being reported, I would much rather see animal shelters get the money that goes towards things like drug courts.

Posted by: PEDA Member Location: Ky on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Sue, check the records before you comment, Flordia has 918 cases of Animal Abuse in the first 3 Months of 2008, these are only the ones that are on court record. who knows how many that are not reported. so do not judge. Animal abuse is a terrible thing, it's a national problem, not only a Ky problem!

Posted by: leslie Location: hazard,ky on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:34 PM
it is shamefull to se this it upset me very much i will be sending some dog food down tommorrow and i hope that the people that done this will be prosecuted to the fullest,,god be with princess and make her well again

Posted by: Pam Harris Location: Taylor, Michigan on Apr 10, 2008 at 02:12 PM
yYou know the saddest part of all this? A human being who can do this to an animal is capable of doing another human being harm! Their day will come and may it be 10 times worse then this poor dog had to suffer.I would like to know where to send donations. If I could, I would adopt the dog myself. She is a good looking dog, regaurdless how thin she is. I hope and pray she is brought back to her beauty. God Bless all of you who are involved in this case of neglect. smiles...

Posted by: animal lover Location: vets office on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:58 PM
That dog is suffering, I say put it down. Six months to recover, thats a whole lot of misery.

Posted by: Marydyth Location: Frankfort on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Hello all. I e-mailed the reporter who did this story, and he provided me with the phone number of the shelter: (606) 546-2815, and the address is: 3100 Meadow Creek Road, Rockholds, KY 40759. Hope this helps.

Posted by: Joey Location: KY on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:15 PM
"Me from London" said these people should be done the same way the dog was done then goes on to say "I had a great dane and he weighted so much he died of heart failure." If that's the case, then the same should be done to you. Apparently, YOU overfed your dog and caused heart failure. Why is starving any worse than overfeeding? Your comments make no sense and those of you who agreed with this person, don't understand that either.

Posted by: Gil Location: Richmond on Apr 10, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I found the video very disturbing. Anyone who has an animal should realize, if you can no longer care for your pet, there are shelters that can find them a new home. Please..please..stop the abuse.

Posted by: Jack Location: Pike County on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Where do we send donations? Couldn't find an address or phone number. It takes a cruel human who would do anything to anyone to let such a loving animal starve like this.

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Holy (edited), I saw a dead dog on the road today! An investigation needs to be launched A.S.A.P. and the perpertrator (s) need to be aprehended before more harm can be done!

Posted by: Jennifer Location: Southern KY on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:23 PM
This is a difficult video to watch. If they can't take care of a dog, let's pray they don't have children. Also, before you decide to buy, adopt or take in any kind of animal, make sure you are gonna take full responsibility for the animals health and well being.

Posted by: amy martin on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I sure would love to have 5 minutes alone with BOTH of those (edited)!!! Anyway that could be arranged???

Posted by: nw on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I think these people who neglect their pets should be locked in jail for life.

Posted by: dog owner Location: hazard on Apr 10, 2008 at 11:09 AM
and to think the romeo bill may not get passed. all you wonderful people who take the time to post these comments, please get involved. dogs will love you for it. (dogs love you anyway).

Posted by: AAngie Location: Lexington on Apr 10, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Please follow-up on this story. I have a 4 year old 150lb Great Dane. He is wonderful, these are the BEST dogs in the world. How ANYONE could do this to ANY dog much less a Dane is beyond me. Please follow-up so my husband and I can help if possible. (IE: where is the dog? Could we bring food-she needs large breed, where would we mail money???) The owner MUST be punished. How cruel! I'm sure they will get a nice slap on the wrist yet poor Princess must suffer. They deserve AT LEAST 6 months in jail to THINK about WHY they chose NOT to feed PRINCESS!

Posted by: Alisha Location: KY on Apr 10, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I would like to know where I can donate to help save this poor dog...the comment posted by Animal Lover in Knox County...I strongly agree with everything this person said!!!!

Posted by: Tammy Location: Hyden on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I hope that Princess gets a good home, with a family that will love and treat her well. I agree with "Me" from London, the folks that have neglected and starved this poor animal need to be done the same way! There is absolutely no excuse to mistreat any living creature!! I pray that there is a line to adopt Princess and all other precious animals that fill our shelters.

Posted by: SR Location: Lexington on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Charges should be filed and the person who did this to her .. should not be fed until he/she reaches 75 pounds. Some people just make my stomach turn!!!

Posted by: Michael on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:19 AM
If that's Rosemary in the picture, she looks mighty HOT. I hope they can help Princess, but WOW, Rosemary looks like a babe. Can you make the picture a bit bigger please?

Posted by: Me Location: London on Apr 10, 2008 at 07:53 AM
These people need to been done the same way they have treated this do. I had a great dane and he weighted so much he died of heart failure.

Posted by: Animal Lover Location: Knox county on Apr 10, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Where do we send donations to? Can these items be dropped off at the shelter? Please follow up on this story, I would like to know what low-life treated their dog this way. I'm sure their fat belly was full every night. Maybe they can serve some time working at the shelter and learn how to take care of animals. Better yet let's just shoot them.

Posted by: Kayla Location: KY on Apr 9, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Can we send the donation through the mail?? If so where do we send it too?? I love animals and I'm gonna do my best to help this dog...

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