© Provided by Boston Herald Sophie is a loving and friendly dog who needs ‘hero adopters’ to help her continue learning how to communicate. (credit MSPCA-Angell Animal Medical Center)
An Agawam man has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly abusing his 4-year-old pit bull mix, who was found by authorities in a “severely emaciated state” after neighbors reported hearing the dog being beaten and crying out in pain, the MSPCA said.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it filed two felony counts of animal cruelty against the dog’s owner, Carl Moglika Jr., following a May 4 home visit by State Police Sgt. William Loiselle, Agawam Police and Animal Control.
Moglika surrendered his dog, Sophie, to the MSPCA on the same day of the visit, where authorities determined the dog was “severely emaciated.” A visit to the veterinarian revealed that the pit was also suffering from diarrhea, anemia, a fractured tooth and a thin coat, the MSPCA said.
“Sgt. Loiselle drove Sophie from Agawam to the MSCPA’s Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston because it was clear she needed to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible,” said Thomas Grenham, director of MSPCA Law Enforcement. “Now she’s got a chance at a new life.”
Moglika is scheduled to be arraigned on animal cruelty charges July 16 at Westfield District Court.
Another MSPCA investigation led to recent animal cruelty charges leveled against Boston woman Natividad Pizzaro, 37, who brought in her pit bull — who had starved to death and was frostbitten — to a veterinarian to be cremated.
“We are thankful for the people who came forward to alert law enforcement of the inhumane treatment, which resulted in Sophie getting the treatment she needed and her owner being held accountable,” said Hampden District Attorney’s office spokesperson James Leydon.
With Sophie on the mend, the MSPCA is looking for a “very special adopter” for the pit bull mix. A patient owner will be needed — the dog is friendly and loving in nature, but her past abuse has left her skittish.
The MSPCA said Sophie would do best in an adults-only home, with no other pets. An owner should be committed to working with a behavior professional to support the pit with things such as “resource guarding,” which refers to dogs that tend to growl, lunge or bite to guard their food.
Interested adopters can apply at mspca.org/bostonadopt.