CGHS/SPCA investigating after dog found roadside

CRARYVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) is investigating after a dog was found abandoned on the side of the road Thursday evening in Craryville. Officials say the dog, Barney, a Cane Corso, was found to have advanced stages of osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, after several X-rays. He was humanely euthanized due to his condition.

The CGHS/SPCA say Barney was spotted by a passerby who stopped to help him. The passerby initially thought Barney was hit by a car because he couldn't put weight on one of his front legs.

Authorities say after further observation, his leg was found swollen which caused him a lot of pain. Barney was taken to a veterinarian where X-rays were performed.

According to the CGHS/SPCA, investigators believe Barney was abandoned by his owner due to his condition and did not want to see or reach out for assistance. Barney was humanely euthanized after careful consideration and consultation with the CGHS/SPCA medical team, who said he was suffering too badly from his irreversible and painful condition.

“This is one of the most shameful, cowardly acts of cruelty one can do to an animal. In their most desperate time of need, to abandon an animal on the side of the road – in Barney’s case, knowing the painful condition that he was suffering from – is unconscionable and shows depraved indifference to this dog,” said Ron Perez, President/Investigator of the CGHS/SPCA.  

Anyone with information about Barney is asked to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at (518) 828-0601.