GUYTON — A Guyton woman has been arrested on animal cruelty charges after a starving dog was found in the backyard of a Samuel Smalls Avenue residence.
Rosa Roberson, 51, was charged after Guyton officers responded to a medical call at the residence Monday.
An officer found a dog chained to a tree, Effingham County Sheriff’s office spokesman David Ehsanipoor said.
Bits of wire that appear to be from coat hangers were found in the chain around the dog's neck, police reported.
The dog had no food or clean water and was extremely emaciated, Ehsanipoor said.
Roberson claimed the dog belonged to her husband, who has been in jail for more than a year, Ehsanipoor said.
Police reports indicate the dog was surviving by eating grass and dirt.
The animal was taken to Rice Hope Animal Hospital where he is being treated.
Roberson was released from the Effingham County Jail on $1,850 bond.