Two young dogs found sick and abandoned in separate parts of Allegheny County this week are on the upswing, according to officials at Humane Animal Rescue.
Authorities are investigating both cases.
A passerby found a dog near Turner Elementary School in Wilkinsburg on Tuesday evening and alerted the shelter, said Dan Rossi, chief executive of Humane Animal Rescue.
He said the dog, about 2 years old and now named Eitan, has a severe form of mange caused by mites living in the hair follicles – an itchy and painful skin condition.
The mange, Rossi said, led to infections on Eitan’s legs, abdomen, neck and face. He’s on antibiotics, pain medication and a diet of chicken and rice.
“He’s responding amazingly well,” Rossi said. “He has a long road ahead to get all these wounds cleared up, and his infections under wraps, but it certainly looks like he’s turned a corner.”
It could take up more than two months for him to recover – care that Humane Animal Rescue estimates could cost as much as $10,000.
Humane officers are investigating, and anyone with information about Eitan can contact the department at 412-345-7300 x245 or investigations@humaneanimalrescue.org.
Do you know me⁉️
On Tuesday evening, a Good Samaritan surrendered a dog found near Turner Elementary School in Wilkinsburg. Upon evaluation by our medical staff, our staff noted that the dog was suffering from a severe skin infection and in major pain. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/MQn09TNq4l
— Humane Animal Rescue (@HARSavesLives) December 5, 2019
In a separate incident the next morning, Pittsburgh police received a report of a dog shivering and tied to a Dumpster on Knox Avenue in the city’s Allentown neighborhood.
The young pit bull-boxer mix was infected with hook worms and dehydrated but she, too, is on the mend, Rossi said. The owners were located and surrendered the dog.
Charges had not been filed against the former owners as of Friday afternoon.
Pennsylvania law defines neglect of an animal, as summary offense, as failing to provide for the basic needs of an animal. It rises to a misdemeanor if the neglect puts the animal at risk of serious injury.
