The Ontario SPCA says four people from Belleville have been charged with animal cruelty after an emaciated dog was brought to a veterinarian by a concerned citizen.
Officials say the female Boxer-cross type dog was very thin, infested with fleas and covered in urine and feces.
The dog is currently receiving the care it needs and will be placed for adoption once it has recovered.
The four charged — two men and two women in their 20s — are each facing eight charges, including permitting an animal to be in distress, failing to provide food and water and failing to provide proper medical attention.
They appear in court December 18.