Starving dogs found in Wausau home

WAUSAU (WAOW) –

In a disturbing story of two dogs, found starving in the basement of a Wausau home. Newsline 9 has spoken with the woman accused of neglecting those dogs, almost to death.

“On a scale of 1-10, 10 being obese, 1 being skin and bones, these dogs were a two.” Mary Kirlin is the Executive Director at the Marathon County Humane Society. She says in her career in Wausau this is worst case of starvation she has ever seen.

“It hurt to look at them,” Kirlin explains.

Two weeks ago Wausau Police officers were called to a home after an anonymous complaint of animal abuse.

“When we got there, the dogs came out it was clear that they were emaciated,” Chief Deputy Bryan Hiltz said.

Officers say they brought the dogs to the Marathon County Humane Society. There, workers immediately began treatment, giving the dogs medical attention and food.

“We had to start off slow, with handfuls of food so they wouldn’t rip any stomach muscles and they are getting better,” Kirlin said.

Newsline 9 did speak with the dogs owner. She did not want to go on camera but says she simply could not afford the food and medical attention the dogs needed. The woman tells Newsline 9 she didn’t know what to do, but will take responsibility if charges are filed.

Authorities say they have recommended animal abuse charges against the owner. The District Attorney’s office says its reviewing the case.

As for the dogs, Karlin says the road to recovery is long. But, they are making progress and finding strength every day.