Four dogs rescued after owner left one starved, others neglected in Mercer County

Mercer County humane officer Paul Tobin says someone recently tipped him off about a Great Dane named Auggie.

"(He was) extremely emaciated," said Tobin. "From what we were told...he was being kept locked in a dog crate."

Tobin said the dog weighed less than 50 pounds.
His investigation led to enough probable cause to seize Auggie, and rush him to emergency vet care.
Following up with the owner a couple days later, Tobin learned of a Great Pyrenees and her two pups, which Auggie fathered.

"I sat down and spoke to her. She agreed that this was just kind of a situation gone bad, she didn't expect for this to happen," Tobin explained.

The woman initially faced felony charges.
She ended up pleading down to receive two years probation, a two year ban on owning animals, and a $1,300 fine.
That drew loud outcry on social media.
But Tobin said the way pa law is written effectively tied his hands.

"I mean for the people that are screaming and yelling that the punishment wasn't enough, it would've been totally different if we'd had somebody who was a repeat offender."

First-time offenders with no criminal history face lighter penalties in Pennsylvania. 

Nevertheless, Auggie, Phoenix, Flame and Fire now have the bright, happy future they deserve.

Tobin told 21 News the Great Dane has gained about 40 pounds since the rescue.
He will likely be adopted by the woman who is fostering him.

Tobin says the mother dog and all the puppies have all been adopted as well.