‘Heartbreaking all around’: RACC finds dog starving, near death

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Richmond Animal Care and Control is looking for help to find who is responsible for a dog found apparently starving with her puppy.

RACC said in a Facebook post that the dog - now named Magnolia - was found near death on Jan. 31 in the 2100 block of Carrington Street.

“A gentleman rang a resident’s doorbell and said he found a dog, and he was carrying it in wrapped blankets. And she couldn’t move and couldn’t walk,” said Christie Chipps-Peters, the Director of Richmond Animal Care and Control. “They immediately called us.”

Chipps-Peters says they could barely feel a pulse on Magnolia.

“Her body temperature was 90, and she barely had a pulse,” RACC said. “Diagnostics are looking like this may be starvation and not an underlying illness.”

RACC says Magnolia has a 5-month-old puppy, now named Margo, who is doing fine and did not want to leave her mother’s side at first.

“I mean, we couldn’t get the puppy off of her when we were first on scene,” said Chipps-Peters. “And then when we had to do the medical intervention, she was trying to break out of the crate trying to get back to her mom, so we were all like, uh, break our hearts.”

This story is something the rescue says they’re seeing way too often.

“It’s ridiculous the number of animals that are suffering at the hands of people right now,” said Chipps-Peters. The director said just the night before, they found another dog dead, discarded outside in a crate.

RACC says if you own a pet and need help with food, shelter or how to get vet care, give them a call. They are willing to provide resources to help keep your pet safe.

“I think everyone is struggling in a way, so we want people to know we are here for you,” said Chipps-Peters.

In the case of Magnolia and Margo, rescuers are hoping anyone who may know anything about their situation will come forward. RACC says the pups will be ready for adoption next week.

Anyone with information is asked to email Paul.Campbell@rva.gov or call 646-5573.

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