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Starving Dog Rescued in Lackawanna County

THROOP — A starving dog found along a street in Lackawanna County is now getting the help it needs. That boxer mix was found Monday morning in Throop and ...
lacka boxer

THROOP -- A starving dog found along a street in Lackawanna County is now getting the help it needs.

That boxer mix was found Monday morning in Throop and rushed to a veterinarian to be treated for extreme starvation.

The humane officer investigating says it's the worst case she's ever seen.

The dog was found on Pancoast Street in Throop around 8 a.m. unable to walk, merely skin and bones, and now Chelsea, as she's being called, is being treated while authorities try to track down her owner.

Inside the Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center near Clarks Summit this bone-thin, 12-pound dog was the focus of the medical team. A bath helped remove an awful stench but couldn't hide the fact that Chelsea, a boxer mix, has gone through a lot.

"When you see her, it rates up there with one of the worst I've seen since 1998. This is godawful ridiculous," said humane officer Sandy Scala.

Officer Scala is clearly upset by the condition the dog is in, roughly 20 pounds underweight and frankly, starving.

According to the veterinarian, Chelsea will need to spend several days for treatment. She was rescued in Throop and brought in.

"Left any longer, we wouldn't be talking here today. That's the encouraging part," said Dr.Nichole Danova. "The sad thing is, how does anyone allow this to happen?"

Chelsea was discovered on Pancoast Street in the early morning hours when a woman noticed a black Mitsubishi parked nearby and a man walking around that vehicle. He took off the and dog was left behind. The police were called and took the dog for help.

"It wouldn't walk, couldn't walk on its front paws, it was so weak," said Throop Police Officer Andy Kerecman. "I put it in my patrol car and took up to Griffin Pond."

Officer Kerecman felt skin and bones when he helped Chelsea from the side of the street.

"It's a shame. There's places you can take animals," said Officer Kerecman.

"She has a strong will to live and I'm hoping she makes it," added Officer Scala.

Humane officials are now looking for Chelsea's owner or anyone who may know how she ended up so starved.

According to investigators, animal cruelty laws aren't tough enough and the person or persons responsible would only receive a summary slap on the wrist.

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