Starving Dog Found in Flea, Feces-Filled Basement

A 3-year-old black female Pit Bull Terrier mix, was found in the flea and feces-infested basement of a Chester home last week and is now at the in critical condition.

The dog has been named Precious.

Precious weighed 19 pounds upon arrival. She should weigh 45-50 pounds.

When the hot water heater burst in the basement of the Chester home, repair workers found the skeletal frame of a barely-alive dog amidst the water, debris, fleas and feces. The dog was then placed in the backyard of the home, after which 911 was called and she was transported to the Delco SPCA.

An animal cruelty case worse than , who recovered from deliberate starvation at the Delco SPCA last fall, Precious cannot even walk or hold her head up.

Precious' former owner was cited on Thursday with two animal cruelty offenses: failure to provide sustenance (lack of feeding) and failure to provide veterinary care.

After an investigation and statements from witnesses, Precious was deliberately starved and neglected, as well as fatally anemic after a flea infestation and bi-lateral ear infection. It was also reported by witnesses that Precious had a mother that was the victim of the same neglect and died in the owner’s basement a couple years ago.

"We need to be their eyes and ears," said Delaware County SPCA Humane Investigator Bill Vernon. "We need people to know we are still fighting cruelty every day, and it’s not ceasing. Neighbors need to be on the lookout for cruelty and report it to save these animals’ lives."

Animal cruelty within Delaware County can be reported to the Delco SPCA Humane Officer at 610-566-1370 x214.

"We need people to speak up for these animals, so we can save them, so they don’t die in vain, like Precious’ mother did," said Delco SPCA Director of Community Relations Justina Calgiano.

After a stint in an emergency vet hospital last Tuesday, Precious is currently at the Delco SPCA Adoption Center in Media receiving round-the-clock care, including fluids and a regimented diet.

For anyone interested in donating to Precious’ care, donations can be made at http://delcospca.org/donations/ or by sending a check to the Delco SPCA at 555 Sandy Bank Road in Media, PA 19063. Checks can be made out to the Delaware County SPCA with a note that the funds are for Precious’ care.

This press release was provided by the Delaware County SPCA.