WORCESTER—The Worcester Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the owner of an abused and severely emaciated pit bull found near Chandler and Main streets earlier this week.
On March 3, a Worcester police animal control officer responded to a call about the dog. The caller, who claimed to have found the male pit bull outside a liquor store about a week earlier, had attempted to care for him but was unable to provide adequate treatment. The dog, suffering from severe injuries to his face and legs, was in such poor condition that the officer had to carry him to her vehicle.
Animal Control coordinated with Broken Tail Rescue, Inc. to ensure the dog, now named Phoenix, received immediate veterinary care. Joy Chambers, founder of the rescue, said the organization has been assisting Worcester Animal Control with housing animals since the city stopped sheltering them at the Worcester Animal Rescue League.
“[Animal Control Officer] Patricia texted me at 10 p.m. Monday with photos of the dog when she picked him up,” Chambers said. “I immediately said we would take him to the vet, so Tuesday morning, I took him down to Ocean State [Veterinary Specialists].”
Phoenix spent several days receiving treatment at the Rhode Island emergency veterinary hospital before being placed in a foster home in Millbury. Despite his condition—covered in dried feces, with pressure sores and extreme malnourishment—he is showing signs of improvement.
“Today he started showing tail wags, and he was playing with a squeaker toy,” Chambers said.
Veterinarians estimate Phoenix to be about five years old. His bloodwork shows no immediate signs of refeeding syndrome, a dangerous condition that can occur when severely malnourished animals begin eating again.
Worcester Animal Control officers Patrick Cherry, Matt DeCeiro, and Patricia Dykas are handling the case. An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about Phoenix’s owner is urged to contact Worcester Animal Control at 508-799-1211. Tips can be made anonymously.
Broken Tail Rescue is accepting donations to help with Phoenix’s care. Those interested in contributing can visit their website or social media pages for more information.
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