Abandoned dog euthanized, abusers sought

San Francisco Animal Care and Control officials are seeking the culprits involved in abandoning a large dog found wandering a park in Dogpatch on Monday, emaciated and severely dehydrated.

Named Sweetie Boy by staff, the adult Mastiff only weighed 60 pounds and was suffering from organ failure and couldn’t lift his head or eat. Male Mastiffs usually weigh 160 to 230 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club.

Because of his fragile condition, staff ultimately made the decision to euthanize Sweetie Boy.

Animal control officials are asking that anyone with information about the case to call (415) 554-9400, where callers can remain anonymous.

Animal Care and Control Executive Director Virginia Donahue said:

“What we’re really looking for is whether anyone saw him get dropped off at the park or whether anyone recognizes him from their neighbor or their neighbor’s yard. … Sweetie suffered terribly and we would really like to pursue this case.”

Donahue said that while animal control staff has seen an increased number of animal cruelty cases recently, the department has been successful in prosecuting some with help from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.

In another recent case, a man arrested on July 3 has been charged with felony animal cruelty for allegedly abusing his dog.

Christopher Kliment allegedly threw his dog Juicy, a four-year-old female Pit bull mix, against the wall at the Powell Street BART station on March 30. Kliment also allegedly picked Juicy up by her skin, tossed her and then repeatedly hit her, animal control officials said.

Juicy has been in animal control’s custody since April and appears to be recovering from the abuse she suffered.

Juicy is currently enrolled in animal control’s shelter enrichment volunteer program, called Fetch. The program helps dogs adjust to the shelter’s environment, allowing them to get daily exercise and attention from specially trained volunteers.

District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement:

“Animals deserve to be cared for and treated with affection. … When they are abused and taken advantage of, we have a duty to hold their offenders responsible.”