A severely neglected dog was claimed dead by its owner while it didn't. The health condition of the dog was poor. Its hair was extremely matted and maggots were covered in its body when it was examined by animal services.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services in Los Angeles received a call from the dog owner said it was dead on Monday. They came and collected the "dead" eight-year-old Lhasa Apso.
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Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Officers found that the dog was still alive after seeing it, but it was just hiding under a bush next to the house.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
The owner claimed that the dog had been "acting funny" and told but Officer Joh Hergenreder that it refused food. When being asked when was the last grooming of the dog, the owner revealed about a year.
The pet was sent to Western Riverside County Animal Shelter for treatment by vets on duty. They took almost an hour to cut the matted hair on his skin.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
Riverside County Department of Animal Services
"This is where the dog's skin was moist and inflamed – and the infection of her skin provided an environment in which maggots thrive," staff veterinary Dr. Sara Strongin said. "The skin infection affected the entire hind end of the dog."
Technicians were able to treat her skin irritation and give it an injection to reduce her discomfort and pain on its skin after shaving.
The owner gave up the rights to the dog. It is now looking for a new home.