A stock photo of an Oscar fish (Photo: BravissimoS, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A North Carolina man will not face charges for abandoning a pet fish.

Michael Hinson, 53, was charged on April 4 with three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of misdemeanor abandonment. He posted a $4,000 bond and was released in Wilmington, North Carolina, according to the Washington Post.

Authorities dropped all charges Tuesday, however, because North Carolina law protects dogs, rabbits, baby chicks, fowl and other animals – but not fish, specifically.

"We take a very dim view of anyone who would abuse any creature great or small and appreciate (animal services) enforcement of the laws to protect vulnerable animals," New Hanover County District Attorney Ben David said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Fish are not included in this statute, however, so my office is dismissing these charges."

Hinson was evicted from his home in Wilmington on March 22. New Hanover County Sheriff's Office deputies visited the home three days later and found a fish tank in "deplorable" conditions, according to Lt. Jerry Brewer, the Washington Post reported.

The fish, an Oscar fish, was suffering from hole-in-the-head disease, a parasite caused by poor water quality and malnutrition, The State reported. The fish stayed alive by eating cockroaches that fell into its tank.

The fish is recovering at The Fish Room in Wilmington, store employee Ethan Lane told The State on Wednesday.

"It was a pretty severe case of the disease, which opens sores and lesions on the fish’s head. It is an infection that can be fatal," Lane said.

Lane said the fish wasn't "cheap" and would sell for $40 to $50. He said the 6-inch fish, about a year old, could grow up to 16 inches.

After its recovery, the fish will be put up for adoption or live out its life at The Fish Room or the New Hanover County Sheriff's office, Lane said.

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