Starving, abused dog found in Southwest Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WMAR) - There is another shocking case of animal cruelty in Baltimore City.

A dog was down to skin and bones after being left for dead inside of a trash can.  But the dog, survived.

It’s a five-year-old pit bull that caretakers at the BARCS shelter say should weigh about 50 pounds.  He weighs just 28.

They named him "Thor" after an animal control officer brought him into the shelter this past Monday.

The officer had been called to the 1700 block of Cole Street, in Southwest Baltimore for a report of a stray dog.

“When it was reported it was unclear where exactly the dog was; so the officer who went to that area was looking for it, and ended up finding it inside the trash can,” said Jennifer Brause, the executive director of BARCS.

The trash is behind one of the row-homes on that block.  The dog was weak and near death.  His spine and rib bones protrude and are easily visible.

There are also pressure sores, apparently from sitting in a confined space for long periods of time.

“This is severe abuse and neglect to have done something like this to this animal,” Brause said.

Hillary Catlin agreed to serve as his foster owner.  She's been taking care of him since Monday.  “He's a strong little guy,” she said.  “He's tough. So far you know things are looking good. I'm hopeful.”

Thor needs several small meals a day to get his strength back, along with medication.

Police and BARCS officials don't know exactly what happened to him -- but they know he was abused.

And while he has a long way to go, he's already come a long way from the trash can on Cole Street.

“He's been really a great little houseguest so far,” Catlin said.

BARCS officials say animals are often abandoned when a person leaves or is evicted from their home.  They don't need to be; you can call BARCS for help in that situation.  The number is (410) 396-4695.