MARBLEHEAD, MA — A 10-year-old Yorkie is recovering with the help of veterinary care in Marblehead after being found wandering in poor health and nearly getting hit by a car on Maverick Street on Monday.
Marblehead police said they have launched an animal cruelty investigation and are looking for the public’s help in locating who was responsible for the dog suffering from “gross neglect.”
“Our little friend looks and feels much different than when he was found wandering near Maverick Street by two good Samaritans,” said Marblehead police, adding that the sweater and harness in the picture were not on the dog when he was found. “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.”
Police said on Monday morning two women saw the dog nearly get hit by a car on Maverick Street at about 7:30 and were able to follow him to an old railroad bed before being able to get a leash on him. He was taken to Animal Control where he was determined to be a 10-year-old, intact male with no collar, no microchip and a black and white harness with paw prints on it.
The Yorkie was taken to Atlantic Veterinary Hospital of Marblehead where Dr. Jeff Rockwell provided care that is expected to extend into the days and weeks to come.
“It is unclear if he escaped from his ‘home’ or if he was intentionally abandoned,” police said.
Police are asking residents in the areas of Maverick Street, Prince Street and Fox Run Lane to check outside security cameras early Monday morning to look for any cars that may have dropped off the dog.
Those with information are asked to contact Marblehead police at 781-631-1212.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
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