Arfin, Frankie the mastiff-mix was only one year old when he was found, abandoned, tied to the gate of a cemetery in Yonkers, New York. His owner had left him there without food or water — and with a massive infection from a deep gouge around his neck.
The gash on Frankie's neck was a deep slice that cut all the way through his outer skin and into his tissue. It was around 8.5 inches (22 cm) long, and cut around 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep into his flesh. The bright red wound had become so infected, it was filled with pus and "drainage", and gave off a sickening odor.
This wound alone shows that his owner had been neglecting — or abusing — the dog for quite some time. An injury like that doesn't show up or become infected overnight. But his owner had clearly been starving him as well. Rescue veterinarians discovered that Frankie was emaciated, with his ribs protruding against his skin.
After a good Samaritan found him and contacted authorities, they rushed the dog to an emergency hospital, where he had to endure an immediate two-hour surgery.
His former owner has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty and abandonment, and "overdriving, torturing and injuring animals." We have to make sure she is kept away from animals in the future!
Sign the petition to demand that New York state officials issue a permanent, lifetime ban on animal ownership for this person! |
