Marblehead Police have launched an animal cruelty investigation after a small dog was rescued near Maverick Street on Monday morning, Nov. 7. And they’re asking for the public’s help.
Two women were able to grab the pup after he was nearly hit by a car and ran off down the bike path. He was taken to a local vet.
“Thanks to the work of Dr. Jeff Rockwell and his caring staff at Atlantic Veterinary Hospital of Marblehead, this little guy is receiving a variety of care with more in store in the days/weeks to come,” Marblehead Police wrote on Facebook.
The dog, believed to be a 10-year-old Yorkie, was found around 7:30 a.m. without a collar or microchip. He was wearing a black-and-white harness with a dog-bones-and-paw-prints design. He weighs about 7.5 pounds.
Police aren’t disclosing the condition of the pup, but are working with Animal Control Officer Betsy Cruger and the Massachusetts Animal Rescue League to investigate what they call “gross neglect.”
Marblehead Police posted a photo of the dog to Facebook on Nov. 8.
“These ‘after’ pictures are being shared in the event someone may recognize him. His ‘before’ photos and information regarding his condition is being withheld for the time being,” the post read.
The police are asking residents in the area of Maverick Street, Maverick Court, Prince Street and Fox Run Lane to check any outside security cameras from the morning of Nov. 7.
“If you see the animal or any cars that may have dropped him off, we’d love to hear from you,” the police said.
It’s not known whether the dog escaped or was intentionally abandoned. He is now in the care of Marblehead Animal Control and the Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals, according to police.
The MPD Facebook posts prompted responses from more than 80 people, many asking how they can help.
The police answered: “We checked with Animal Control and they would be most grateful. Next time you are out and about, if you wanted to drop off whatever you felt you could, their address is 44 Village Street at the animal shelter. If nobody is there, the items can be left directly in front of the door as they are in and out ALL day long.”
Anyone with information about the dog is asked to call Marblehead Police at 781-631-1212.
Stay with Marblehead Current for updates on this developing story.
Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter. She also works as a PR specialist.