A small black-and-white shih tzu was rescued from a Scranton home recently and taken to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, where staff there removed 2 pounds of matted fur from the dog, police say. The owner was charged with neglect.
The dog was so matted that it couldn’t see through its own fur, according to the criminal complaint.
Officers spoke with Jemal Cameron Lewis, 36, of 1315 Schlager St, who admitted the dog was not up to date on its vaccinations, didn’t have a license and hadn’t been seen by a veterinarian in “a very long time.”
Lewis could not provide any proof or information on any regular grooming or maintenance provided to the dog.
Scranton Police Department animal control officers were informed the dog had been transported to the shelter the day prior in very poor condition. Officers noted the dog was in severely neglected condition.
Staff told officers the dog had extensive matting and fecal matter adhering to its fur.
The dog had difficulty walking, was suffering from multiple infections and was underweight, police said.
Police noted the severe matting would have developed over months or years, causing significant pain and interfering with basic functions like urination and defecation.
Lewis is charged with animal cruelty and neglect. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on June 1 before District Judge Sean Gallagher.