Badly emaciated dog rescued from Long Island home as owner charged with animal cruelty

A severely emaciated dog was rescued from a home on Long Island and the owner is facing charges in what local police called one of the worst cases of animal neglect they’ve ever seen.

Ghost, a Siberian husky, weighed just 27 pounds when he was rescued — a shadow of what he used to be, and less than half the weight he should have been.

“The veterinarian stated that, in her career, she has never seen a dog in this condition still alive,” said Roy Gross, chief of the Suffolk County SPCA.

In late October, officers responded to a tip of an emaciated dog at an Islip home. They found Ghost barely moving, suffering from a chronic skin infection which veterinarians said could have contributed to his weight loss.

“According to the vet, it was a combo of both. An infection of this type, this chronic severe infection, it’s a toll on the body,” said SPCA Lt. Raymond Alvarez.

Two weeks later, and under the care of One Love Dog Rescue, Ghost has since gained five pounds and is being treated for his skin infection. He wears a cone so he can’t scratch his already sensitive skin.

“He requires daily care medicated baths every three days and has ongoing medical expenses,” said Lisa Christiansen, of One Love Dog Rescue.

At his foster home, Ghost gets fed small meals four times a day. He was seen in a video taking his empty bowl over to the foster mom, seemingly asking for more as he looks at her.

Ghost’s owner, 61-year-old Elizabeth Kelly, has been charged with animal cruelty. A neighbor said they are a nice family who had fallen on hard times.

“The story is they love the dog, the dog got sick, it didn’t eat, and they just kept it because they loved it. And unfortunately, the dog got worse,” said the neighbor, Charles. “They are beautiful people, they are great people.”

But the SPCA said it doesn’t matter.

“There is no excuse. If you can’t take care of your pet, there are many options. Call rescue groups, call the SPCA,” said Gross.

Kelly did not immediately respond to a request for comment. She is due to be arraigned in court on Nov. 24.