RIPLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two severely emaciated dogs were rescued from an apartment in Ripley, West Virginia, after being abandoned by their owner, Payton Spencer. The animals were found in poor condition, with one suffering from a significant leg injury.
On February 12, authorities were alerted that Spencer had left his dogs at the residence of his girlfriend, Kaitlyn Estep and refused to retrieve them. The ARF Rescue Group was also contacted for assistance, as the dogs were in need of immediate help.
The following day, February 13, officials, accompanied by Deputy Lucas Casto, went to the apartment to assess the situation. Upon arrival, both dogs were found to be severely underweight, with one—a Boxer Pit Bull mix—having a badly injured paw wrapped in makeshift bandages. The dogs were immediately transported to Ripley Paws for emergency veterinary care.
Veterinarian Jessica Welling assessed the animals and determined that the Boxer Pit Bull mix had a body condition score of 1 to 2 out of 9, indicating extreme emaciation. The dog also had open wounds on its leg and hindquarters, possibly caused by prolonged exposure to urine or feces, along with old scars on its legs. The second dog, a Pit Bull puppy, was also malnourished, scoring between 2 and 3 on the body condition scale. Both dogs suffered from severe bloody diarrhea and required specialized diets to regain their health.
Efforts were made to locate Spencer in order to serve a seizure notice for the animals, but he was initially untraceable as he had been staying with different people. Later, authorities learned that he had been arrested and was in jail. On February 24, his location was confirmed, and the seizure notice was officially served.
The rescued dogs are now receiving care and rehabilitation, while officials continue to investigate the case. Both are facing charges of cruelty to animals.
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