SALEM, MASS. (WHDH) - An investigation is underway in Salem after police said several pit bulls appeared to have recently been dumped in the city.
An animal shelter is now working to get the dogs back up to good health while police turn to the public for help.
The two dogs were spotted frail and weak running loose in Salem around 5 a.m. Sunday.
Police responded and were able to track the dogs down and get them to emergency care.
Hours later, two more dogs were found, also malnourished and dehydrated.
Officials said someone abandoned the dogs in the streets. Police said the dogs are between three and five years old, all showing signs of abuse and neglect. Officials said they believe the dogs were dumped in Salem together.
“There are places you can go for help, multiple places you can go,” Animal Control Officer Don Famico said after these incidents. “You just don’t need to open the door and let them go.”
Police are searching for whoever dumped the dogs.
Police Captain Mark Berube said detectives were reviewing city cameras as of Monday as part of their search. The Salem Police Department also posted a call for help on Facebook.
Berube said police have received “a lot of help” from members of the public checking their own cameras for information to help in this case.
Despite their condition, the dogs are expected to be OK.
Whoever left the dogs roaming the streets, though, could face serious charges, police said.
“This is animal cruelty, which is a felony,” Berube said. “You can serve up to seven years in state prison for this and, like I say, it was very apparent that they were abused and neglected.”
Authorities said they’re focused on getting the dogs healthy and into new homes.
Anyone with information on the person or persons responsible for abandoning these animals, is asked to contact the Salem Police Department Criminal Investigation Division (CID) at 978-745-9700, Salem Police Dispatch at 978-744-1212, or the anonymous tip line at 978-619-5627.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)