BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Pit Bull found in poor condition in Hyde Park is now in the care of Boston Animal Control.
The white and brown Pit mix named Dante was found very thin, about 40 pounds, with his ribs protruding from his skin. Pit Bulls are usually about 60 to 70 pounds.
Amanda Kennedy runs the Roslindale Shelter. She said it's delicate process to nurse such a malnourished animal back to health.
"When you have an animal that is that emaciated, you actually have to be really careful about how you start re-feeding them," Kennedy said. "If you feed them too much or you feed them the wrong things they can actually become incredibly ill."
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(Chris Fama/WBZ NewsRadio)
Dante's ankles, tail, and elbows had calluses. His paws were flat as well, all signs of "over-kenneling" according to veterinarian Dr. Martha Smith-Blackmore.
"Over-kenneling" could be caused by abandonment, incompetence, or a cognitive disorder.
"Maybe they've got some dementia and they don't know they've put the dog in the kennel and haven't fed it in several days," Smith-Blackmore said.
The investigation to Dante's previous owners is ongoing and high priority. According to Smith-Blackmore, "often times there are people at risk as well, vulnerable children or elders."
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports
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