Animal abuse and mistreatment is always shocking, but the case of this dog shows extreme cruelty. Joseph was tied to a tree by a chain for more than 4 years. Given the conditions in which he lived, it’s practically a miracle that he was able to survive.
Ohio police and the Public Animal Welfare Society, an animal rescue organization, found the German shepherd with very little food and water, weighing half what he should have. The dog also had injuries caused by the chain and a severe ear infection.
Also, being desperate, abandoned to die, Joseph was eating rocks and stones, explaining why he was missing some teeth. He was never vaccinated, so he had several health problems, including heart problems.
Rescuers explain that they found the dog with such a sad look on his face that it broke their hearts. According to witnesses, Joseph was always chained to the tree, outside of his owner’s home. His original name was Toby, but the organization gave him the name of Joseph, in honor of the man in the Bible who was considered dead, only to later become ruler.
His owner, Jeremy Temple, was accused of animal mistreatment and cruelty, although he just had to pay a fine of 25 dollars for his actions. Joseph is recovering well and the shelter is looking for a new home for him, where he will finally be able to know the love of a family.
