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Dog found in garbage bag in Richmond: ‘We just can’t believe she is still alive’

Posted at 11:44 AM, Sep 14, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-29 21:53:53-04

RICHMOND, Va., -- Richmond Animal Care and Control (RACC) officers are searching for whoever dumped a sick and injured dog on the side of the road in a trash bag.

Director Christie Peters said a Shih Tzu mix was discovered in a garbage bag on the side of Midlothian Turnpike and was brought into the shelter late Thursday night.

"[The citizens] showed up here with a dog that had been found in a garbage bag that was still in the garbage bag in their car," Peters explained.

Nearly 100 percent of the dog's skin was infected including both of its eyes. The dog, that the shelter named Annabelle, is estimated to be five years old and also has poor teeth.

"She has been treated terribly in the past. Obviously, no one has cared for her in a very long time," Peters stated. "This neglect has been months and months and months in the making."

Peters said Annabelle was fortunate to be alive. The Shih Tzu was the first dog found in a garbage bag brought in alive to the shelter. Peters said most dogs found in bags are already dead.

Annabelle is incredibly sweet and playful despite her appearance, Peters said.

“Her little body is crawling with infection and needs immediate medical intervention,” RACC wrote in a post that's gone viral on Facebook. “We just can’t believe she is still alive.”

Officials are looking for anyone who recognizes the dog or anyone who knows anything about the people connected to her.

“Please share this picture far and wide in an effort to uncover something that might lead to finding the person(s) responsible for this heinous crime,” they continued.

If you would like to donate to help cover the costs of medical treatment and rehab, click here. Donations can be made via PayPal at Savinglives@raccfoundation.

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