Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help to locate the person who abandoned a dog in Suffolk County last month.
The mixed breed female dog was discovered on Aug. 24, near Dawn Drive in Shirley, Suffolk police say.
The animal was malnourished and taken to receive medical treatment after it was found.
Suffolk Police and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team Unit are investigating the incident.
James Rozzo, of Shirley, said that seeing the photo of the animal in that condition was incredibly difficult. He urged homeowners to remain attentive and take every step possible to protect their pets.
"If they do get loose, get them chipped, get them tagged, put some flyer out if you can, if you lose them," Rozzo said.
Gabriel Waithiani, another neighborhood dog owner, said it is difficult to imagine anyone mistreating an animal that way.
"I hope that dog has found help and that somebody in this neighborhood claims it or if they lost it, has found it," Waithiani said.
Anyone who believes they know the individual who is responsible can contact police at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.
All calls remain anonymous.