Two terriers were found abandoned in Escondido with fur covered in fleas and so matted they could barely walk, county animal officials said Thursday.
The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is now looking for the person responsible for dumping the severely neglected pups at Mountain View Park on Sunday.
"Because of the critical condition of the dogs, this is a felony cruelty investigation by San Diego Humane Society's Humane Law Enforcement." the agency said.
A witness reported seeing a person dump what appeared to be trash near a parking lot next to the park along Mountain View Drive at about 2:30 p.m., the SDHS said.
The two terriers were recovered and taken into the care of the humane society's Escondido campus where they were treated, given emergency exams and cleaned up.
Photos from the SDHS of the treatment process show veterinarians cutting through layers of fur.
One dog had extreme matting on its legs and its rear end.
Local
“In fact when the vets shaved that dog, there was over two pounds of matting,” said Sgt. Laurel Monreal.
Monreal said the smaller dog was matted even tighter throughout its whole body.
The two pups tested positive for parasites and are currently under quarantine, SDHS said.
Crimestoppers is offering up to $1,000 for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in the case. Anonymous tips can be made at 888-580-8477 or through the Crimestoppers website.
Last week, nine days-old puppies were found abandoned in a sealed dog food bag at Escondido's Kit Carson Park.
The humane society's Escondido campus was also treating those nine neglected pups and a officers were searching for the person responsible.
In light of the two recent abandonments, SDHS Sgt. Laurel Monreal urged anyone who needs help caring for their animals to bring them to the humane society, where they would be taken in without judgment.
