A severely emaciated dog that was too weak to hold up its own head has died after it was left outside an animal shelter in Inwood.
A reward is now being offered for information in what officials are calling a case of heartless neglect.
The Nassau County District Attorney's Office says someone dropped off the terrier-pit bull mix at the Five Towns Animal Hospital around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11. The dog, named Terry by investigators, had to be taken inside on a stretcher. She was found to be about 20 pounds underweight with open sores on her back, officials say.
The dog was taken to the New York Veterinary Specialty Center in Farmingdale for additional treatment, but prosecutors say she later succumbed to organ failure.
"This innocent animal suffered and ultimately died a painful death because of the heartless neglect of her owner," Nassau DA Madeline Singas said in a release. "We will not tolerate animal cruelty and neglect, and I'm hopeful that the public will help us get justice for Terry."
A $5,000 reward is being offered by the Nassau County SPCA for information that leads to a conviction.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Nassau County DA's tip line at 516-571-7755, and refer to case 16716.