Extremely neglected pit bull now ready for adoption

In recent years, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has encountered more cases of animal neglect and cruelty. This was the case with Ernie, a 7-year-old pit bull whose extreme neglect and lack of veterinary care caused severe skin issues. 

Upon arriving at the dog owner’s home and seeing Ernie, our Animal Services Officer knew immediately he would be seizing the dog for its own safety and filing charges against his owners. Ernie had open bloody wounds across his body with the most affected areas around and in his eyes and on his feet.  He was extremely uncomfortable and itchy and had trouble walking because his feet were so swollen with infection. He was immediately taken to the veterinarian and prescribed proper treatment for his skin.  As with all animals at the shelter, Ernie received excellent care from the animal care technicians and our nonprofit DAWG. Since then, Ernie's skin has healed, and he is now ready to be adopted. This dog deserves the kind of love and care that he should have received in the first place. Ernie is a true gentle giant that holds no grudges and loves everyone he meets.  If you can open your home to this handsome older gentleman, fill out an adoption application at cmvas.org.

Whenever there is a report of cruelty or neglect, our Animal Control Officers immediately address the concern to make sure the animal is safe and unharmed. According to California Penal Code 597, charges of animal cruelty can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of the abuse. In general, neglect consisting of lack of basic needs or veterinary care is charged as a misdemeanor and blatant cruelty with malicious intent is charged as a felony.  When responding to a call reporting abuse, our officers look for signs that the pet is or has been in danger. They make sure the animal is the proper weight and in good health with all the basic needs such as food and water and that it has no injuries or wounds. If they discover potential abuse, our investigative team of Officers Stewart and Lim collect evidence needed to prosecute the people responsible for the abuse. They work closely with the Orange County District Attorney’s office to ensure charges are filed against the abusers and that they are held responsible for the abuse.  

As animal lovers, our entire Animal Services Team is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of every pet, so investigating this kind of abuse is heartbreaking (as well as the worst part of our jobs). However, it is our duty to protect these helpless animals and ensure they live lives free of abuse and neglect.   

For more information, visit cmvas.org.