KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Osceola County Animal Services is investigating an animal cruelty case after a dog was found severely emaciated and chained up in a field.
Deputies said the dog, named Hope, was found on Sept. 15 near 400 W. Oak St. in Kissimmee.
"She really is the definition of skin and bones," said Osceola County Animal Services Director Kim Staton.
At just 28 pounds, Hope carried around her entire body weight, dragging a 15-foot, 24-pound logging chain around her neck.
"She didn't get this thin in a matter of days or weeks, this was over a considerable amount of time," said Staton.
Animal Services says she also has fresh puncture marks on her head and neck, indicating that she may have been attacked by another animal.
"The bottom line is to let a animal get in this condition is not o.k. We need to send the message to the community that as an organization this kind of treatment of animals won't be tolerated," Staton said.
Animal Services is looking for the owners or people responsible for the dog's severe condition.
If you have any information about the dog's owner, contact Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information.