Salem Woman Charged With Criminal Neglect Of Pomeranian With 'Large Open Wound'

SALEM, MA — A Salem woman is facing animal cruelty charges after police said a Pomeranian was found with a large, infected wound on its leg during an investigation into health and building violations at her Bertuccio Avenue home.

Police said officers and town personnel responded to the home on July 23 and found the small dog with the wound that appeared to have been "untreated for some time."

The dog was rushed to VEG-ER for emergency care, and officers suspected "the dog was the victim of significant neglect."

"It remains unclear if its leg can be saved or if it will have to be amputated," police said.

The dog's owner, Tanya Thomas, was charged with cruelty to animals in a warrant out of Salem District Court, police said.

The dog is undergoing care at Our Family Veterinary Services in Peabody.

"The Salem Police Department is thankful to the multiple individuals and organizations who have offered to help defray the costs of the dog's vital, but rather costly, medical care," police said.