skin and bones, from its misery.

Assistant dog warden Mr. Jeffrey Benevides told The Royal Gazette the dog was found "in a bad state'' at a Robert's Avenue, Devonshire residence.

Therefore, he said, a warrant to seize the dog was immediately obtained.

Mr. Benevides said authorities were still trying to reach the owner. But he was unable to discuss the matter in detail because of a pending court case.

However, he appealed to the public to contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries if they could not, or knew of someone who could not, take care of their animals.

"I would not want to see another dog like this,'' he said.

And while he has dealt with worse cases of neglect, Mr. Benevides said this was the first case of this kind this year.

SKIN AND BONES -- Assistant dog warden Mr. Jeffrey Benevides looks with pity at a female pitbull found at a Devonshire residence.