PAINESVILLE, Ohio — A Pit Bull Terrier mix dog named Penny is in the care of the Lake Humane Society after being found chained to a house in Painesville without water, shade, or food.
Penny is suffering from heatstroke, which has resulted in extreme dehydration. Lab work revealed she is also dealing with kidney and liver problems. Medical staff at Lake Humane Society believe this is the result of deadly heat exposure.
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On Sunday afternoon, officers from the Painesville Police Department were dispatched to a house on Ridgelawn Avenue for a report of animal cruelty and disturbance between neighbors. When they arrived on the scene they learned that a neighbor had taken a dog that appeared to be dehydrated, overheated and tied up with a heavy chain, from a neighboring backyard and carried the dog into their own home to cool down and hydrate.
The Lake Humane Society was called to the scene, but because the dog’s owner was not present, the Humane Society was unable to take her. In the state of Ohio, pets are considered personal property and the Humane Society cannot take an animal without the owner’s knowledge, unless an extreme circumstance. Police were able to contact a close family member of the owner, who came to the scene. The family member took the dog to their separate residence to care for it until the Humane Society was able to take possession.
The Lake Humane Society filed a probable cause hearing in Painesville Municipal Court on Tuesday, August 11 and will be seeking charges. Their investigation is ongoing.
Penny is receiving antibiotics, a special kidney diet and liver medications. Staff has made sure she is resting comfortably, but Lake Humane Society officials say due to the severity of her condition, her care could cost upwards of $2,000. This estimate includes medications, special kidney food, radiographs, additional examinations/lab work and treatment to assist in her recovery.
If you would like to make a donation to help in the care of Penny, click here.
