LAURENS, S.C. (WTHR/WYFF) – A South Carolina woman has been charged with animal cruelty after officials say she refused to feed her ex-boyfriend’s dog.
According to WYFF-TV, Elizabeth James had the dog in her care for at least a month, but while she fed other dogs at her home, she didn’t feed "Champ," a 16-month-old mastiff mix, because she was mad at her ex.
A passerby saw the dog and called animal control. Champ was taken to a veterinarian in near-death condition.
(WARNING: The rescue group that helped save Champ posted a photo of him on Facebook. It is very difficult to look at. That photo is shared at the bottom of this story.)
The dog, who should weigh about 110 pounds at his age, was just 50 pounds, was covered in maggots and couldn’t stand on his own. He also needed blood transfusions.
James was charged with animal cruelty by animal control.
Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, who took Champ in, said they don’t know if the dog’s life could be saved, but they were going to "fight like hell for him to give this young majestic dog the life he deserves."
"He was in hell with no way to escape," they wrote on Facebook.
The rescue group has reportedly raised $4,000 through a PayPal account to help with Champ’s treatment.
To follow updates on Champ and donate to help him,click here.
