Carmichaels man charged after dog is found injured, malnourished
A Carmichaels man was charged on April 7 after his dog was found injured after allegedly being tied by the ankles, possibly for several days.
Cody Rush, 25, is facing three misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals.
A neighbor called 911 March 18 after the dog, Gunner, was spotted walking across Nemacolin Hill badly injured. A witness told police a plastic lead had been wrapped around the dog’s ankles. Police said the dog’s ankles were swollen and raw with cuts into the muscle tissue and possible exposed bone on one ankle. He appeared to be malnourished, with his ribcage showing. No food or water was visible for Gunner, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in the case.
Rush willingly gave Gunner to Cumberland Township Patrolman Margaret Rose Vorum-Leona. He said he was aware of the injuries and showed the officer the plastic lead, according to court documents.
The County Animal Response Team transported Gunner to Cheat Lake Animal Hospital and paid for his emergency care. An emergency veterinarian told police it appeared the dog was tied around his ankles for an extended period of time, possibly several days.
Vorum-Leona cared for Gunner overnight and observed he was unable to walk on his back legs. Waynesburg officers assisted in the dog’s care and transported him to Greene County Humane Society for care and transportation to full medical treatment.