Puppy Saved From 'Despicable' Conditions

SHAFTER, Calif. -- Animal control officers in California stumbled upon a heartbreaking scene of animal abuse and neglect.

They said a resident called to report a mangy, abandoned pit bull. But when they arrived, they said they were appalled to find the dog chained in a trash-filled ditch.

Animal Control Officer Shyanne Schull told TV station KERO the puppy was covered in mange. She said the puppy wasn't wagging her tail and even looked ashamed. Schull said it was especially disturbing because there are so many local options to get rid of unwanted animals.

"I really wish we had a clue as to who might have done something like this to an animal," said Schull. "That's really a despicable disgrace as there are animal shelters everywhere the animal could have been brought to, or a veterinarian for some treatment or to be euthanized, but she was just dumped out here to die."

Schull said the puppy was brought to an animal shelter where it will recover from mange. She said officers will continue to investigate who left the loving, quiet dog to die.