Matted, abused dog gets help in Columbus Couny

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) —  Fur so tangled and matted, it had grown in a way that made it painful for the dog to move his right back leg.

Matted fur on abused dog (Photo: Columbus County Animal Control)

On Easter morning, the Columbus County Animal Shelter responded to the call about the severely injured dog from the Evergreen area.

Officers who responded found the abused dog, who is now named “Mattie.”

“Mattie” after getting cleaned up (Photo: Columbus County Animal Control)

Wags and Wiggles Dog Salon came to the shelter this morning and after more than 3 hours, removed 6 pounds of fur from Mattie. The salon volunteers their services to treat animals found in similar conditions free of charge. They also trim the nails and fur for dogs that have been at the shelter for more than 30 days.

Animal Control manager Joey Prince says Mattie will be seeing a vet tomorrow. The dog is tentatively using his back leg, although the muscle atrophy from lack of use will likely require some therapy to restore the full use of the leg.

Prince says Mattie weighs 24 pounds and is very underweight, so the shelter is getting him on a diet to return him to his optimal weight.

Animal Control says it’s believed this neglect was intentional. If you have any information call (910) 641-3945. You can leave a tip anonymously.