KCTV 5Neighbor steps in when dog left for dead

A dog was left for dead in a Kansas City yard, tied up with no food or water. That is until someone stepped in.

Maximus is a Rottweiler and was barely able to stand when he was rescued. He has a long road to recovery ahead.

"The shape he was in was deplorable. He wasn't able to stand or get up. His breathing was very labored. This is a true sign of cruelty and neglect," said Stephanie Henshaw, the Love 4 Paws president.

It was a neighbor who noticed the two-year-old Rottweiler barely alive and clearly emaciated.

"You can see every bone in his body," Henshaw said.

Maximus was laying in a pit of mud and feces, unable to move on his own. The neighbor didn't call the city, but instead reported what was happening to PETA, the national organization of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

PETA contacted animal control and all it took was a single look and Maximus was taken away- first to the Kansas City, MO animal shelter but, based on how much care and attention he would need, Love 4 Paws was contacted.

"It's heart wrenching. Time and time again you see this stuff and it just makes you wonder and there's only so much you can do. I guess that's why Love 4 Paws like to focus on these cases. This is serious stuff," Henshaw said.

In addition to being seriously malnourished, Maximus has an eye infection, open sores, and he's tested positive for heartworm.

Henshaw said she's waiting for charges of abuse and neglect to be filed against the owner. She wants to make sure another dog doesn't suffer like Maximus has.

"This is not a tire, this is not a refrigerator, this is not something that is disposable. This is a living, breathing, feeling thing. To tie him to a chain in the backyard and starve him is infuriating," Henshaw said.

For more information about Maximus and Love 4 Paws, click here.

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