Emaciated puppy receives life-saving treatment at the RISPCA

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — A Cranston resident is facing charges after a neglected puppy was brought to a veterinarian for treatment, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced Tuesday.

The organization got a call from Bay State Veterinary Hospital on Friday, Nov. 3 about a puppy who came in severely emaciated and covered in matted fur.

The puppy, called Coco, was in such bad condition that the hospital would not give it back to its owner.

The owner, a Cranston resident, willingly turned over custody. The RISPCA is withholding the owner’s name pending their arrest.

The organization said Coco could not walk and could barely drink.

Officials said he was eating whatever he could find, including small toys and erasers.

His blood work showed that he was anemic, and his red blood cell count was “almost nonexistent.” Officials are hopeful they will regenerate as Coco recovers.

Coco has gained eight ounces and can now walk on his own.

The RISPCA will use Giving Tuesday next week to raise money for Coco and other dog cruelty cases.