HAMILTON, Ohio — An emaciated dog rescued by Butler County authorities in September has died, according to the Butler County Dog Warden.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Duke physically could not fight anymore," reads a post on the Butler County Dog Warden & Humane Officers’ Facebook page. "His body, no matter how hard he tried and the amazing staff at West Side Animal Clinic tried, was shutting down."
According to the post, Duke was humanely euthanized "to end his suffering."
Workers at an East Street liquor store found Duke, a severely malnourished and underweight pit bull mix, on Sept. 27 and called police to pick him up.
Both Deputy Warden Kurt Merbs, who handled the case, and Dr. Sara Horton, owner of West Side Animal Clinic, said the emaciated dog represented one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they had ever seen.
"Everyone is doing everything they can to save him," said Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones in September.
Although Duke did gain weight and seemed to make some progress for recovery, the Facebook post said, his condition began to deteriorate Thursday. He was euthanized by West Side Animal Clinic staff.
Duke’s owners, Jessica North and Christopher Sears, were charged with cruelty to a companion animal in September.
