Watch: 8 Pounds of Fur Removed from Helpless NY Dog

A Hudson Valley dog is now safe after they were rescued from what the Putnam County SPCA Law Enforcement  Division is calling "one of the worst cases of matting we have encountered". The owner is now under arrest.

First, the good news: the dog is currently safe and reportedly doing "well". The eight pounds of matted fur that was removed had prevented the 9 year-old mini poodle from walking, seeing, and even going to the bathroom. Photos show the severity of the neglect.

Severe Dog Neglect in the Hudson Valley, NY

The Putnam County SPCA responded to a call about the animal on Saturday, August 5th. When they arrived at the home on Lake Shore Drive in Putnam Lake, NY, they found a nearly-unidentifiable mini poodle covered in almost 10 pounds of matted fur, feces, and urine (above). Luckily, more professionals were standing by.

8 Pounds of Matted Fur Removed from Neglected New York Mini Poodle

A recent press release shared that three veterinary staff members spent more than two hours carefully shaving and removing the matted hair from the sedated poodle (above). In addition to vision and movement impairment, the SPCA says the mats also caused urine scalding, a condition likely caused from prolonged exposure to urine that had been trapped in the dog's coat. From Putnam County SPCA Chief Ken Ross:

This is one of the worst cases of matting that we have encountered... This situation could have been resolved with the normal care a pet owner should provide their pet. I would like to thank our Dog Control Officer and the staff of Guardian Veterinary Specialists for the care given to this neglected dog.

Animal Neglect in New York State

It is an unnerving fact that this is far from the only neglect case to occur in New York State. In addition to domestic neglect, the unwelcome presence of puppy mills in the state has also been well documented. Check out the Humane Society of the United State's Horrible Hundred list, which includes some New York breeders, here.