Starving Dog Rescued From Michigan Back Yard

by Charlotte LoBuono

Local authorities and animal advocates have rescued a two-year-old dog from a Michigan backyard in what they described as one of the worst cases of abuse and neglect they have ever seen.

Volunteers from the Michigan Animal Adoption Network happened upon the young terrier mix while checking on other dogs in the area.

The dog, who has since been named Ian, had apparently been deprived of food and water for several days. Authorities surmise that Ian had in fact suffered for most of his life with inadequate food and water.

When rescued, Ian's ribs were protruding, his fur was falling out, and his face was scarred.

At the time of his rescue the terrier was diagnosed as being only hours away from dying, and required immediate medical attention to save his life.

The dog's guardian, LaTonya Taylor, has been charged with animal abuse and animal neglect and faces up to 90 days in jail.

Local police animal control officers will periodically visit Taylor to check on her other two dogs.

Ian has since been adopted by a local family, the Ferreses, after Mrs. Ferres saw a report about Ian on a television news broadcast.

The family reports that Ian is getting along well with their other dog Zoe, a five-year-old Dalmatian, and that the two dogs like to play and nap together.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.