Calvert, AL: A severely emaciated dog was discovered after a tip brought investigators to the residence occupied by James Samuel Newbill.

The dog allegedly was kept chained in the yard for over a year, with no food or water in sight. When found, she was a mere 34 lbs. and looked like a skeleton. She is being treated for hookworms, heartworms, scabies, a skin infection and a low grade urinary tract infection. The two-year-old pup also had a hard time moving. The person who called in the tip claims the dog was left out in the cold and the rain to suffer.

Newbill has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty. He is being held on $3,000 bond.

After Newbill’s arrest, SouthBARK (Southern Based Animal Rescue Kinship) rescued the dog now known as Bella. According to SouthBARK, she would not have survived much longer. Bella was taken to Ark Animal Clinic and Rehabilitation Center for veterinary care. Safe Haven Animal Care Kennels ( S.H.A.C.K.) will be the next step on Bella’s voyage to recovery. Donations for her care, including extensive treatment and diagnosis, can be made by referencing Bella’s name and sending payment through PayPal to the following: theshackrescue@gmail.com

You can track Bella's progress by visiting The S.H.A.C.K. Safe Haven Animal Care Kennels Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-SHACK-Safe-Haven-Animal-Care-Kennels/143496329088087

This petition respectfully requests that if found guilty, James Samuel Newbill be charged with the maximum sentence allowable under law, and that he not be allowed to own animals.

For more information on this story: http://www.fox10tv.com//dpp/news/alabama/arrest-made-in-starving-dog-case

Image of Bella courtesy of Life With Dogs

This petition will be updated as more information becomes available; however, the intent will remain the same.